Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension benefits

403(b) plan with employer match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, Colorado, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to study quantum dot carrier dynamics. This fixed‑term role focuses on photogenerated charge/spin transfer and related spectroscopic characterization in a collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will contribute to understanding interfacial chemistry, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, with an initial one‑year appointment extendable to three years, contingent on

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field; recent graduate within the last three years.
• Proven track record in scientific writing, presentations, and publication.

Responsibilities

• Investigate photodynamics of quantum dots using spectroscopy to probe charge/spin transfer.
• Collaborate in a cross‑disciplinary team of chemists and material scientists.
• Design experiments and analyze data to understand interfacial chemistry and durability.

Skills

Synthesis of QDs

Spectroscopic characterization

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Presentation

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields

Tools

UV-Vis spectroscopy

IR spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

EPR spectroscopy

Transient absorption spectroscopy

Microwave spectroscopy

Terahertz spectroscopy

Job description

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics . Location CO - Golden . Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . Working at NLR

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado and is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. It is a leading laboratory for energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you will find a mission‑driven environment supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories.

Job Description

The Materials, Chemical, and Computational Sciences Directorate has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to support research exploring the photodynamics of quantum dots (QDs) supported by DOE Office of Science Basic Energy Science. This project will focus on understanding the fundamentals of photogenerated charge/spin separation and transfer using synthetic chemistry to change the QD composition and morphology. The position additionally will involve spectroscopic characterization of QDs to identify the impact of these structural changes on primary photochemical events as well as the surface chemistry to modulate the interfacial spin/charge/energy transfer properties. To understand the impact of these manipulations on photochemical pathways, the candidate will be engaged in team science that leverages steady‑state (UV‑vis, IR, Raman, PL, EPR) and time‑resolved (IR, EPR, transient absorption, microwave, terahertz) spectroscopies. The successful candidate should therefore have experience in one or more of these characterization techniques and have a passion for devising experiments to deeply understand systems, not optimize them for performance. The successful applicant will be invested in working in a cross‑disciplinary team of physical chemists, inorganic chemists, material scientists, and theorists to probe and understand surfaces, interfaces, and durability of newly developed chemistries and architectures. They should have proven expertise in data analysis, experimental design, presentations, and writing of manuscripts. The initial appointment is for 1 year with extension of up to 3 years total preferred, provided mutual satisfaction and availability of funds.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publication, and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Synthesis of QDs or related nanostructured semiconductors.
• Spectroscopic or other characterization of QDs or related nanostructured semiconductors.
• Strategies for modulating interfacial chemistry of bulk or nanoscale systems.
• Additional experience in semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, spectro‑electrochemistry, and other interfacial modification and characterization techniques.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full‑time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400

Benefits Summary

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• short‑term disability insurance
• pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
• paid holidays

Badging Requirement

NLR 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 required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug‑Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre‑employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre‑employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre‑employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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