Postdoctoral Researcher—Photoelectrocatalysis

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Materials, Chemical, and Computational Sciences Directorate has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to support the next generation of photo(electro)catalysis research. This project will be focused on understanding the fundamentals of photo(electro)chemical transformations – such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), or nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) – using emerging inorganic semiconductor materials in thin-film configurations. This position will be supported by DOE Basic Energy Science Programs funded at NLR. The position will involve characterization of novel semiconductor materials and architectures as photoelectrodes to identify defects, probe reaction mechanisms, and tune optoelectronic and catalytic properties. Potential strategies for tuning the resulting properties will require experience with chemical treatments/additives, atomic or molecular doping, surface functionalization, and/or strain engineering. To understand the impact of these manipulations on catalytically active semiconductor systems, the candidate will be engaged in team science that leverages in situ steady-state (UV-vis, IR, Raman, PL) and time-resolved (IR, transient absorption) spectroscopies, microscopy (Confocal Raman/PL, AFM), and product detection (mass spectrometry, gas chromatography) tools to probe the fundamental optoelectronic properties, reaction mechanisms, and material stability/durability. The successful candidate should therefore have experience in one or more of these characterization techniques and have a passion for devising experiments to deeply understand systems, not optimize them for performance. The successful applicant will be invested in working in a cross-disciplinary team of material scientists, chemists, spectroscopists, and theorists to probe and understand surfaces, interfaces, and durability of newly developed chemistries and architectures. They should have proven expertise in data analysis, experimental design, presentations, and writing of manuscripts. The initial appointment is for 1 year with extension of up to 3 years total preferred, provided mutual satisfaction and availability of funds. Please include a cover letter to complete your application.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publication, and communication.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which includes a favorable background investigation.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test, which will include marijuana unless prohibited by state or local law.

Nice To Haves

• Photoelectrocatalysis, electrocatalysis, or photocatalysis, particularly for fuel-forming reactions such as CO2R, NO3RR, HER, or OER
• Spectroscopic or other characterization of (photo/electro)catalysts and/or modified materials surfaces
• Strategies for establishing the stability of new materials exposed to electrolyte and during catalytic operation
• Semiconductor device physics
• Characterization of the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors
• Semiconductor photoelectrochemistry
• Spectro-electrochemistry
• Thin film or nanoparticle synthesis and surface modification
• Interfacial characterization techniques

Responsibilities

• Characterization of novel semiconductor materials and architectures as photoelectrodes to identify defects, probe reaction mechanisms, and tune optoelectronic and catalytic properties.
• Engage in team science leveraging in situ steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies, microscopy, and product detection tools to probe fundamental optoelectronic properties, reaction mechanisms, and material stability/durability.
• Work in a cross-disciplinary team of material scientists, chemists, spectroscopists, and theorists to probe and understand surfaces, interfaces, and durability of newly developed chemistries and architectures.
• Demonstrate expertise in data analysis, experimental design, presentations, and writing of manuscripts.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards (monetary component, eligibility not guaranteed)
• Relocation expense reimbursement (eligibility not guaranteed)

What This Job Offers

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