Post Doctorate Research Associate - Chemical Physics in Experimental X-Ray Scattering
About The Position
The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security. Contribute to PNNL’s goals as part of the Lab’s Physical Sciences Division (PSD). Through fundamental research supported by DOE Basic Energy Sciences, we seek to understand the fundamental interactions, reactivity, and dynamics of ions in solutions, that are relevant for a multitude of energy and biological processes. The proposed research effort focuses on developing and utilizing advanced X-ray scattering methods, in particular X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), to probe with atomic scale resolution the equilibrium and non-equilibrium atomic structure of complex ionic solutions and solvated molecular complexes. These experiments will be strongly coupled with state-of-the art theoretical efforts for the interpretation and modelling of the data. As a postdoctoral researcher based in the experimental Physical Chemistry group, you will investigate challenging molecular-scale science questions, including ion-solvent and ion-ion interactions and dynamics, the mechanisms of charge and proton transfer in molecules, and the spontaneous collective fluctuations that drive chemical reactivity in liquids. You will conduct split-pulse XPCS and related experiments using the LCLS X-ray Free Electron laser (XFEL) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and related XFELs and synchrotron facilities around the world. You will be mentored and collaborate with other senior investigators in a multi-institutional team, including researchers at PNNL, and SLAC. This position is based at SLAC (Menlo Park, CA).
Requirements
- PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
- Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Experience with XPCS or X-ray scattering methods at synchrotrons or XFELs and/or experience with tabletop ultrafast spectroscopy methods.
- Strong ability to analyze complex datasets and develop appropriate models, working closely with theorists; familiarity with coding languages such as Python and/or Julia.
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative, identify new research opportunities, and independently develop solutions to challenging scientific problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists across multiple institutions.
- Ability to travel from SLAC to PNNL for regular meetings with PNNL researchers, and to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments.
Responsibilities
- Propose, lead, and participate in X-ray experiments at large-scale X-ray light source facilities to investigate the structure and dynamics of ionic solutions.
- Perform extensive analysis of complex datasets, including learning and developing the computational tools and analysis codes necessary to extract structural and dynamical information from X-ray scattering experiments.
- Interpret experimental data through comparison with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations, in close collaboration with members of the theory team.
- Work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively to collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects.
- Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Become an integral member of PNNL and SLAC fundamental chemical physics research teams, taking advantage of world-class expertise and capabilities to advance your research.
- Interact, communicate, and problem-solve with researchers across the multi-institutional collaboration.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and project/program review meetings.
Benefits
- health insurance
- flexible work schedules
- medical insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- robust telehealth care options
- several mental health benefits
- free wellness coaching
- health savings account
- flexible spending accounts
- basic life insurance
- disability insurance
- employee assistance program
- business travel insurance
- tuition assistance
- relocation
- backup childcare
- legal benefits
- supplemental parental bonding leave
- surrogacy and adoption assistance
- fertility support
- company-funded pension plan
- 401 (k) savings plan with company match
- 120 vacation hours per year
- ten paid holidays per year
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
