Postdoctoral Research Associate - Experimental Geochemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Flexible work hours

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group within the Chemical Science Division. The role focuses on understanding the stability of precipitated amorphous materials and their reactivity, with opportunities to use SNS and APS facilities for in situ studies.

The position requires a PhD completed within 5 years and experience in mineral/nanomaterial synthesis or

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last five years.
• Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials such as Li/Na ion batteries, solid electrolytes, carbonates, or REE-related structures.

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemical experiments.
• Perform neutron and X-ray scattering/spectroscopy experiments for in situ reaction observations.
• Analyze scattering data and develop data analysis workflows.
• Publish papers and present results at national and international meetings.
• Align work with ORNL core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service; promote equal opportunity.

Skills

Wet chemistry experience

Written and oral communication skills

Self-starter, independent worker

Collaborative team player

Education

PhD in geosciences, chemistry, materials sciences, material chemistry, chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Spectroscopy (Raman, SEM, EPMA, XAS)

Job description

Requisition Id 17218

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group in the Chemical Science Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work collaboratively with scientists in CSD to develop an understanding of the stability of precipitated amorphous materials and their reactivity. The research will also take advantage of other DOE user facilities, e.g., the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL or at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on scientific projects to advance our understanding of critical elements residing in minerals and from amorphous to crystalline transitions leading to mineral formation. The successful candidate will work as part of a team whose interests include, but are not limited to, contaminant fate and transport in subsurface geologic environments, crystal nucleation and growth, heterogeneous reaction rates, and geochemical reaction mechanisms, interface reactivity, energy storage, and separations.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemical experiments.
• Perform neutron and X-ray scattering/spectroscopy experiments that focus on in situ observation of reaction kinetics and mechanisms.
• Analyze neutron and X-ray scattering data and contribute to developing data analysis workflows.
• Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate.
• 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 PhD in geosciences, chemistry, materials sciences, material chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials (for example Li/Na ion batteries, solid electrolytes, carbonates, REE-related structures).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wet chemistry and/or mineralogy.
• Experience with spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, SEM, EPMA, XAS and other characterization techniques).
• Experience working in user facilities.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• 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 PhD 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.

• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

Benefits

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.

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory P e n s o n e
• 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

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.