Postdoctoral Research Associate-Organic Synthetic Chemist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

5d

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry to advance selective recognition of lanthanide ions. The successful candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize new compounds, and evaluate their metal-ion binding and separation performance using analytical methods. The position is in the Chemical Separations Group, Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate.

The appointment may last up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Initial appointments and extensions depend on performance and funding availability. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. no more than five years before applying and must complete all degree requirements before starting. The position requires obtaining and maintaining an HSPD-12 PIV badge, subject to federal background-check requirements. Three letters of reference must be submitted with the application.

ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory with over 7,000 employees. It aims to value a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and to advance scientific breakthroughs into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, and on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a closely related field completed within the last five years.
• Complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• Submit three letters of reference when applying.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a closely related field completed within the last three years.
• Experience in photochemistry, crystallization of ligand–metal complexes, stability constant measurements, or ICP-OES or ICP-MS measurement and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize organic ligands through multistep synthesis.
• Purify compounds using methods such as crystallization, normal- or reversed-phase chromatography, sublimation, and vacuum distillation.
• Characterize compounds using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, UV–visible spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry.
• Contribute to experimental planning and evaluate how ligand structure affects lanthanide recognition and separation.
• Present results at team, group, and project meetings and national conferences.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, with a goal of at least two publications per fiscal year.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• On-site fitness, banking, and 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