Biomass Electroconversion Postdoctoral Researcher
About The Position
The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or comparable discipline for the Energy & Environment Science & Technology Directorate. This postdoctoral position will focus on the electrochemical conversion of bio-derived organics, including reactor design and catalyst development. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in an interdisciplinary team in developing electrolyzer technology that can operate on bio-derived hydrocarbons. Reaction of interest includes a range of oxidation and reduction reactions, along with Kolbe coupling and electrochemical hydrogenation. An emphasis will be placed on electrolysis that can operate using minimally purified fermentation broths and other complex bio-derived feedstocks and will incorporate elements of electrode/catalyst design to maximize selective, conversion, and durability. Cross collaboration within the directorate and with other federal labs is anticipated, along with participation in characterization experiments planned at DOE synchrotron radiation facilities. The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.
Requirements
- PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or closely related field.
- PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
- Demonstrate research experience in electrocatalysis and/or electrolyzer development.
- Experience in designing, conducting, and interpreting laboratory experiments.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team.
- Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
- US Citizenship.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in electrochemical conversion of organic molecules, including both anodic and cathodic chemistries.
- Experience designing/operating flow cells and similar continuous electrochemical systems.
- Experience in catalyst design and synthesis.
- Experience with catalysts characterization methods, including XRD, electron microscopy.
- Experience with synchrotron diffraction and spectroscopy methods, including associated analysis and modeling packages.
- Experience in performing electrocatalysis with complex feedstocks.
- Experience with analytical methods, such as HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, and so on.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of publishing manuscripts, presenting at international conferences, preparing technical reports, and writing proposals.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop electrolyzer technology that can operate on bio-derived hydrocarbons.
- Conduct research on oxidation and reduction reactions, Kolbe coupling, and electrochemical hydrogenation.
- Focus on electrolysis that can operate using minimally purified fermentation broths and other complex bio-derived feedstocks.
- Incorporate elements of electrode/catalyst design to maximize selective, conversion, and durability.
- Collaborate within the directorate and with other federal labs.
- Participate in characterization experiments planned at DOE synchrotron radiation facilities.
- Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication.
- Present research results at national and international conferences and meetings.
Benefits
- 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off
- Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
