Postdoctoral Research Associate- Nonlinear Spectroscopy in Chemical Separations

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

4d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will study liquid-liquid interfaces relevant to chemical separations using surface-specific optical spectroscopies, scattering techniques, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopies. The research aims to reveal how external stimuli can control ion partitioning and local gradients at interfaces. The position is in the Chemical Dynamics Group, Chemical Transformation Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The postdoctoral researcher will work with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of experts in spectroscopy, separation chemistry, and theory.

The appointment may last up to 24 months, with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions depend on performance and available funding. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. within the five years before applying and must finish all degree requirements before starting. Applicants are asked to submit three letters of reference.

Employment at ORNL requires a Real ID-compliant form of identification and eligibility to obtain and maintain the applicable federal credential or site-specific risk determination. The role requires compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field, completed within the five years before the application date.
• Complete all degree requirements before the appointment begins.
• Submit three letters of reference when applying.
• For ORNL employment, provide a Real ID-compliant form of identification and be able to obtain and maintain the required federal Personal Identity Verification credential or, where applicable, a favorable Local Site Specific Only risk determination.
• Pass the applicable background investigation or risk determination required for access and employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ultrafast laser-based spectroscopies or microscopies, especially infrared vibrational techniques such as vibrational sum-frequency generation, IR-transient absorption, or 2D-IR.
• Experience controlling hardware and analyzing data using Python or Matlab.
• Experience with wet chemistry, chemical separations, or studies of liquid interfaces.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Apply surface-specific nonlinear optical spectroscopies to study liquid-liquid interfaces during liquid extraction.
• Use vibrational pump-probe spectroscopies to study molecular mechanisms and dynamics of extraction phases.
• Design approaches to probe stimulus-driven interfaces at and away from equilibrium.
• Develop efficient data-analysis protocols to identify meaningful patterns and insights in experimental data, and work with theorists to interpret results.
• Assist with neutron and X-ray scattering experiments.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Work with ORNL staff, other postdoctoral research associates, and students to accomplish research goals.
• Present and report research results at meetings and conferences, and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL's core values and 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
• Competitive pay

What This Job Offers

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