Postdoctoral Research Associate - Supramolecular Chemistry and Ion Separations

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN, seeks a postdoctoral research associate focusing on supramolecular chemistry and ion separations within the Chemical Separations Group, PSD.

The appointment will support basic and applied research, with hands-on synthesis and characterization (NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, X-ray) and multiple separation techniques. You will present results at meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals while upholding safety and ethics.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in chemical separations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Perform hands-on synthesis and characterization (NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, X-ray crystallography).
• Employ a range of separation techniques, including crystallization, solvent extraction, and photochemical separations.
• Present and report research results at project, group, and national meetings.
• 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 values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety and Service.

Skills

Chemical separations

NMR spectroscopy

X-ray crystallography

Communication skills

Independent researcher

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR

FT-IR

UV-Vis

Raman spectroscopy

X-ray crystallography

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate who will focus on basic and applied research directed to supramolecular chemistry and ion separations. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Participating in project planning and execution.
• Perform hands‑on synthesis and characterization (e.g., using NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopies, X‑ray crystallography, etc.).
• Employ a range of separation techniques, including crystallization, solvent extraction, and photochemical separations.
• Present and report research results at project, group, and national meetings.
• Publish scientific results in high‑impact 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 PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science and engineering, materials science and engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in chemical separations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in photo‑responsive receptors, supramolecular chemistry, or stimuli‑responsive separation systems.
• Expertise in at least one separation technique, such as crystallization, liquid‑liquid extraction, ion exchange, or membrane processes.
• Hands‑on experience in the design, synthesis, and characterization (e.g., NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopies) of photo‑responsive ligands for ion separations.
• Research experience in one or more separation processes such as filtration, solvent extraction, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑liquid separations, gas‑liquid separation, membrane contactors, adsorption, and packed column system.
• Research experience in separation and purification of critical materials including rare earth elements, oxyanions, and transition metals.
• Experience with determination of binding constants by NMR, UV‑Vis, or potentiometric titration.
• Proficiency in structural characterization by single‑crystal and powder X‑ray diffraction.
• Experience with determination of binding constants by NMR, UV‑Vos, or potentiometric titration.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated 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.
• 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, and 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].

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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.