Postdoctoral Research Associate-Electrochemist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Flexible work hours

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, and/or Critical Materials Separation Science to develop inorganic sorbents for selective extraction and recovery of gallium and other critical minerals from complex feedstocks using electrochemical approaches.

The role is within the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group, Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in inorganic/organic synthesis and materials separation.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize inorganic materials, including ion intercalation compounds.
• Perform adsorption experiments using electrochemical approaches.
• Characterize materials using NMR, MS, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, and related tools.
• Conduct ion-separation experiments and determine ion concentrations with ICP.
• Publish results and present at meetings; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Inorganic synthesis

Electrochemical methods

Materials characterization

Strong communication

Independent and collaborative work

Education

PhD in organic/inorganic/polymer chemistry or materials science

Tools

NMR

MS

FT-IR

TGA

DSC

XRD

BET

SEM

TEM

ICP

Job description

Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, and/or Critical Materials Separation Science to develop inorganic sorbents for the selective extraction and recovery of gallium (Ga) and other critical minerals from complex feedstocks with electrochemical approaches. The successful candidate will conduct inorganic synthesis, electrochemical extractions and materials characterizations to advance sustainable critical mineral recovery technologies. This position resides in the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for delivering high impact research results to advance the work on Gallium and/or other critical materials separations. You will be very closely working with specialists in synthesis, separations chemistry, theory, spectroscopy, and materials characterization. This project will develop materials and processing technologies that will result in a transformational improvement in separation and recovery methods for Gallium and other critical materials.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize inorganic materials, especially ion intercalation compounds.
• Design and execute adsorption with electrochemical approaches to meet project goals.
• The researcher would also use analytical techniques such as NMR, MS, FT-IR, TGA, DSC, XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM for characterization.
• Perform ion separation experiments, use ICP to determine ion concentrations
• Collaborate with ORNL staff, University collaborators, Industry partners who are involved in the project
• Participating in project planning and execution
• Present and report research results at the project, group, PI meetings and national conferences
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in organic or inorganic or polymer chemistry, materials science or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in separations chemistry of metal ions, most desirably experience with Gallium and/or lithium/lanthanides and experience with electrochemical separation
• Background in aqueous energy storage, which involves ion interaction and extraction by electrochemical approaches
• Experience in inorganic and organic materials synthesis, battery testing and electrochemical characterizations, such as CV, LSV, Tafel plot, GITT and so on.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Hands-on experience designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating materials for separation applications
• A strong track record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.