Postdoctoral Research Associate-Organic Synthetic Chemist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness

Flexible work hours

Employee discounts

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry to advance selective recognition of lanthanide ions. The successful candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize new compounds and help evaluate their metal-ion binding and separation performance using analytical methods.

This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate,

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Preferred: PhD completed within the last 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize organic ligands.
• Purify compounds using crystallization and chromatography.
• Characterize compounds with NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, and MS.
• Plan experiments and evaluate how ligand structure affects lanthanide recognition and separation.
• Present results at meetings and conferences.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals (goal: ≥2 publications per fiscal year).
• Align work with ORNL values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety and Service.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate-Organic Synthetic Chemist

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry to advance selective recognition of lanthanide ions. The successful candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize new compounds and help evaluate their metal-ion binding and separation performance using analytical methods. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and synthesize organic ligands through multistep synthesis.
• Purify compounds using methods such as crystallization, normal- or reversed-phase chromatography, sublimation, and vacuum distillation.
• Characterize compounds using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry.
• Contribute to experimental planning and evaluate how ligand structure affects lanthanide recognition and separation.
• Present results at team, group and project meetings and national conferences.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, with a goal of at least two publications per fiscal year.
• 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:

• PhD in organic chemistry or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in organic chemistry or a closely related field completed within the last 3 years
• Experience in photochemistry, crystallization of ligand–metal complexes, stability constant measurements, or ICP-OES or ICP-MS measurement and data interpretation.
• 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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.

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.