Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, CO, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics. You will investigate photodynamics of quantum dots using diverse spectroscopies to unravel charge and spin transfer processes in cross-disciplinary team settings.

The role emphasizes rigorous data analysis, publication, and collaboration with chemists, physicists, and engineers.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven record of scientific writing, presentations, and publications.
• Experience with spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, Raman, PL, EPR) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate photodynamics of quantum dots and charge/spin transfer phenomena.
• Characterize QDs with UV-Vis, IR, Raman, PL, EPR, and time-resolved methods.
• Collaborate across chemistry, materials science, and theory groups to advance understanding.

Skills

QD synthesis

QD spectroscopy

Interfacial chemistry

Photoelectrochemistry

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Materials/Physics/Engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll 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. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

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.

Note: We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply, even if they don't meet 100% of the position requirements. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the credentials, skills, and ambition to succeed at NLR to apply for this role.

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

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

NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include 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; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

• Based on eligibility rules

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.

Reasonable Accommodations

E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.