Postdoctoral Researcher

Louisiana State University • Lemont, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Rachita Rana and John Flake Labs at LSU, in collaboration with the Christopher Arges Lab at Argonne National Laboratory, are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a 2-year appointment. This joint LSU–ANL project focuses on converting methane to acetic acid, integrating electrocatalysis, electrochemical engineering, operando spectroscopy (XAS, IR, Raman), process intensification (reactor design with separation units), and materials synthesis and characterization. The postdoc will be primarily based at Argonne National Laboratory, with active reporting, visits, and engagement with LSU research teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field.
• Prior experience with synchrotron-based X-ray techniques, particularly X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS: XANES/EXAFS).
• Background in electrocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, or electrochemical systems.
• Experience with operando or in situ characterization techniques such as IR and Raman.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electrochemical reactor design or PSE systems.
• Familiarity with CO₂ reduction, CO electrolysis, or C–C coupling chemistry.
• Experience with IR or Raman spectroscopy in catalytic systems.
• Knowledge of data-driven methods.
• Prior experience conducting experiments at synchrotron facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct electrocatalytic experiments for CO/CO₂ reduction.
• Integrate multiple unit operations in series: methane reformer, hydrogen pump, and CO/CO₂ electrolyzer.
• Develop and implement porous solid electrolytes (PSE) into reactor-separator systems.
• Lead operando/in situ spectroscopy studies, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), Infrared (IR/DRIFTS, ATR-IR), and Raman spectroscopy.
• Plan and execute synchrotron-based experiments at CAMD and APS.
• Perform advanced XAS data analysis (including EXAFS fitting and modeling).
• Integrate spectroscopy with reaction kinetics and product analysis (GC, MS, HPLC, IC).
• Collaborate closely across ANL and LSU teams.
• Write reports to project sponsor, publish results in high-impact journals, and give presentations in conferences.

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art electrochemical and materials facilities at ANL
• Opportunities to work at leading synchrotron user facilities
• A highly interdisciplinary collaboration spanning catalysis, spectroscopy, and energy systems
• health, life, dental, and vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• retirement options
• various leave options
• paid holidays
• wellness benefits
• tuition exemption for qualified positions
• training and development opportunities
• employee discounts

What This Job Offers

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