Requisition Id 11141 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work with a diverse team of scientists seeking to gain the scientific understanding of advanced separation systems and nanomaterials at the molecular level, as well as to put this fundamental knowledge to use in real-world applications
• Write and submit requests for beamtime/computing time through user proposals
• Plan, prepare and conduct X-ray absorption spectroscopy/neutron, X-ray scattering/modeling studies
• Independently plan and design experiments to characterize new materials and meet project goals
• Present and report research and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Physics or a closely related science discipline completed within the last five years
• Experience in chemistry/materials science utilizing synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and/or X-ray/neutron scattering or computational spectroscopy/scattering simulations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong record of productive and creative research including published peer-reviewed research articles on materials characterization, ionic liquids, f-block elements, gas separations, carbon capture
• A solid foundation in physical, inorganic, and theoretical chemistry and in developing and application of novel spectroscopy/scattering techniques for the design and characterization of functional materials/ligands
• Knowledge and experience in application of machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.

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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.