Post Doctorate Research Associate - Surface Science for Catalysis
About The Position
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time. The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes. We are seeking a Post Doctorate Research Associate to contribute to the experimental Surface Science effort within PNNL’s BES Catalysis program. As a postdoctoral researcher in the Catalysis Science group, you will join a talented, multi-investigator team to explore catalytic reactions that are central to energy and chemical transformations. This position will specifically focus on the detailed mechanistic understanding of hydrogenation, deoxygenation, and C–C coupling and cleavage chemistries of organic oxygenates and hydrocarbons found in feedstocks. To achieve this goal, we are developing well-defined model catalytic systems using single-metal-atoms and monodispersed-oxide-clusters on oxide surfaces and two-dimensional materials. The experimental methods employed in these studies will primarily include scanning tunneling microscopy, molecular beam scattering, temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemistry will be explored under ultra-high vacuum, near ambient pressure, and in the condensed phase. The studies carried out by the selected candidate will be closely coupled with parallel theoretical investigations. If you are a postdoctoral researcher ready to test your talents and training in Catalysis Science and hone your skills at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you. Details are below; you do not need to meet all of the preferred qualifications to be considered.
Requirements
- Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related field
- Training and aptitude in Surface Science
- Experience with ultra-high vacuum is essential
- Proficiency with a range of surface-sensitive spectroscopic techniques such as temperature programmed spectroscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research and work on team assignments
- Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature
- Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff within the Catalysis Science Group, Physical Sciences Division, and across PNNL
- Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
- Participate in the development of research proposals
Benefits
- health insurance
- flexible work schedules
- medical insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- telehealth care options
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
