Postdoctoral Research Associate - Experimental Geochemistry

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group in the Chemical Science Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The selected candidate will work collaboratively with scientists in CSD to develop an understanding of the stability of precipitated amorphous materials and their reactivity. The research will also take advantage of other DOE user facilities, e.g., the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL or at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on scientific projects to advance our understanding of critical elements residing in minerals and from amorphous to crystalline transitions leading to mineral formation. The successful candidate will work as part of a team whose interests include, but are not limited to, contaminant fate and transport in subsurface geologic environments, crystal nucleation and growth, heterogeneous reaction rates, and geochemical reaction mechanisms, interface reactivity, energy storage, and separations.

Requirements

• A PhD in geosciences, chemistry, materials sciences, material chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials (for example Li/Na ion batteries, solid electrolytes, carbonates, REE-related structures).
• Applicants cannot have received their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions.
• All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.
• This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in wet chemistry and/or mineralogy.
• Experience with spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, SEM, EPMA, XAS and other characterization techniques).
• Experience working in user facilities.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform wet chemical experiments.
• Perform neutron and X-ray scattering/spectroscopy experiments that focus on in situ observation of reaction kinetics and mechanisms.
• Analyze neutron and X-ray scattering data and contribute to developing data analysis workflows.
• Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• 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
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree