Postdoctoral Research Associate- Nonlinear Spectroscopy in Chemical Separations

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on nonlinear spectroscopy at liquid-liquid interfaces relevant to chemical separations. The role involves using surface-specific spectroscopies, pump-probe methods, and scattering techniques within a multidisciplinary team to uncover mechanistic insights under stimuli.

You will design experiments, analyze data with theorists, and contribute to publications while ensuring safety and quality, aligned with ORNL's

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with ultrafast laser-based spectroscopies or microscopies, with emphasis on infrared vibrational techniques.

Responsibilities

• Apply surface-specific nonlinear optical spectroscopies to study liquid-liquid interfaces during liquid extraction.
• Use vibrational pump-probe spectroscopies to study molecular mechanisms and dynamics of extraction phases.
• Design new approaches to probe stimulus-driven interfaces at and away from equilibrium.
• Develop efficient data analysis protocols and collaborate with theorists to interpret results.
• Assist in carrying out neutron/x-ray scattering experiments.
• Present and report research results at meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Ultrafast spectroscopy

Data analysis

Education

PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate- Nonlinear Spectroscopy in Chemical Separations

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on studies at liquid-liquid interfaces of relevance to chemical separations using a suite of surface-specific optical spectroscopies, scattering techniques, and ultrafast pump probe spectroscopies. This work aims to uncover mechanistic insight into how ion partitioning and local gradients at interfaces can be controlled using external stimuli. The position resides in the Chemical Dynamics Group in the Chemical Transformation Section, Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The postdoc will work within a multidisciplinary multi-institutional team involving experts in spectroscopy, separation chemistry, and theory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Apply surface specific nonlinear optical spectroscopies to the study of liquid-liquid interfaces during liquid extraction.
• Use vibrational pump-probe spectroscopies to study molecular mechanisms and dynamics of extraction phases.
• Design new approaches to probe stimulus-driven interfaces at and away from equilibrium.
• Develop efficient data analysis protocols to uncover meaningful patterns and insights from experimental data and work with theorists to help interpret results.
• Assist in carrying out neutron/x-ray scattering experiments.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Work with ORNL staff and other postdoctoral research associates and students to accomplish research goals.
• Present and report research results at meetings and conferences and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• 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 chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ultrafast laser-based spectroscopies or microscopies, with special emphasis on infrared vibrational techniques (i.e., vibrational sum-frequency generation, IR-transient absorption, 2D-IR, etc.).
• Experience controlling hardware and data analysis using Python/Matlab.
• Experience with wet chemistry, chemical separations or studies of liquid interfaces.
• 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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.

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

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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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.