Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead a research program to study f-electron localization and covalency in molecular lanthanide and actinide compounds. Molecular systems are targeted because properties are more easily tuned by varying ligand environments and metal redox states, and because their electronic structures can be probed spectroscopically and modeled precisely with ab initio theoretical methods. 

The experimental duties involve a large component of inorganic synthesis. A range of characterization techniques are employed including ligand K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to quantify covalent orbital mixing, metal L3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy (RXES) to probe multiconfigurational ground states, and SQUID magnetometry and EPR spectroscopy to determine magnetic properties. 
 

What You Will Do:

• Synthesize organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules by following previously established procedures, and establish new syntheses for closely-related molecules.
• Analyze data obtained through ligand K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, variable temperature SQUID magnetometry, EPR spectroscopy, and resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy.
• Careful analysis of all the experimental data is then used to develop quantitative models of electronic structure that can be used to predict properties and guide future experimentation.
• Coordinate sample preparation for experiments at synchrotron facilities.
• Travel to synchrotron facilities within the United States and internationally and participate in experiments, sometimes outside of normal business hours.
• Willingness to handle dispersible radioactive materials, including high-specific activity transuranium isotopes.
• Perform analysis of synthesis products using NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy.
• Coordinate interactions with collaborators including theorists and other experimentalists.
• Disseminate research results in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scholarly meetings and conferences.
• Participate in weekly meetings and regular seminars. 
• Take an active role in ensuring workplace safety, and adhere to all safety guidelines, procedures, and policies.
• Effectively and prudently communicate with all scientific and operational personnel.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Collaborate on other projects within the LBNL Heavy Element Chemistry group as desired.
• Participate in other synchrotron-related experiments led by collaborators as desired.
• Assist with preparation of proposals to user facilities and funding.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Physics.
• Strong attention to detail, organization and time-management skills, and reliable follow-through on tasks.
• Ability to handle air-sensitive molecules using standard Schlenk and glove-box techniques.
• Hands-on experience with advanced methods for physical characterization such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, SQUID magnetometry, optical spectroscopy, or synchrotron-related techniques.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to be safe and work independently in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment and strong time-management skills while coordinating research efforts with co-principal investigators and their collaborators.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by prior publications and oral presentations at scientific conferences.
• Familiarity with Endnote, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint software programs.
• Familiarity with literature searching platforms such as Web of Science or SciFinder.
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to formulate new ideas in the course of their independent research

 
Desired Qualifications:

• Experience discovering new molecules and materials through inorganic synthesis techniques.
• Prior synthetic experience in the discovery of new organometallic and inorganic molecules
• Completion of graduate-level coursework in f-element science, inorganic spectroscopy, magnetism and/or theory.
• Experience with analytical radiochemistry and/or techniques to handle actinide isotopes.
• Experience in measuring and analyzing XAFS data.
• Experience with UNIX and/or computer programming.
• Experience in troubleshooting vacuum and cryogenic equipment.
• Experience in proposal and/or report preparation.
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Matlab, Igor, or Python software programs.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/
 

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 1 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience. 
• Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $4,775.00 - $5,717.00 Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-PhD Postdoctoral and/or related research experience

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