Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations science and engineering for biorefining

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • Golden, CO

6d

About The Position

The RRES Center at NLR has an opening for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher within the Separations Science group. Our group is conducting research to enable cost-effective processes for biorefineries. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal for up to three years. This position focuses on implementing innovative separations methods including advanced / designer membranes (e.g., OSN, OSRO) in dynamic filtration systems (to reduce fouling propensity) for lignin oil and water recovery from pulping streams. This position focuses on development and demonstration of innovative methods in lignocellulosic biorefining, including solid-liquid separations through dynamic membrane filtration, chromatography for separations of complex lignin-derived streams (simulated moving bed chromatography and counter-current chromatography), and recovery of pulping chemicals. We encourage candidates to see the following publications for some context: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc00765d https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc04533e https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021967325006107 https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc02772h The successful candidate will be able to: Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats Author peer-reviewed publications Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Expertise and experience in designing, operating, and scaling novel separations processes
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong record of quality peer-reviewed publications
• Strong safety record and ability to follow complex standard operating procedures

Nice To Haves

• Experience with membrane materials and processes
• Experience with chromatography and liquid-liquid extraction
• Experience with automated control systems.
• Familiarity with Aspen Plus software, Python, thermodynamics, and general chemical purification techniques.
• Familiarity with fundamentals in material characterization techniques, spectroscopy, thermal analysis techniques, and chemical and elemental analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats
• Author peer-reviewed publications
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays.
• NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component.
• Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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