Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations science and engineering for biorefining

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

11d • $76,600 - $126,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The RRES Center at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is hiring a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in the Separations Science group. The group conducts research to enable cost-effective biorefinery processes. The initial fixed-term appointment is one year, with possible renewal for up to three years.

The role focuses on developing and demonstrating innovative separation methods for lignocellulosic biorefining. Research includes advanced or designer membranes, such as OSN and OSRO, in dynamic filtration systems to reduce fouling and recover lignin oil and water from pulping streams. Other areas include solid-liquid separations using dynamic membrane filtration, chromatography for complex lignin-derived streams (including simulated moving bed and counter-current chromatography), and recovery of pulping chemicals.

The successful candidate will work safely and independently in a laboratory, plan and conduct research with other researchers, communicate results effectively in writing and orally, author peer-reviewed publications, and collaborate within a large multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists. The position requires a recent PhD graduate within the last three years, and educational requirements must be met before employment begins. The position is based in Golden, Colorado, and is listed at 40 hours per week. The annual salary range is $76,600–$126,400.

Employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, including a favorable background investigation. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test, subject to applicable state and local law.

Requirements

• Recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements before the employment start date.
• Expertise and experience designing, operating, and scaling novel separation processes.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong record of quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong safety record and ability to follow complex standard operating procedures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, including a favorable background investigation.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test, subject to applicable state or local law.

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 material characterization, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and chemical and elemental analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and scale novel separation processes.
• Develop and demonstrate separation methods for lignocellulosic biorefining.
• Implement advanced or designer membranes in dynamic filtration systems for lignin oil and water recovery from pulping streams.
• Conduct solid-liquid separations using dynamic membrane filtration.
• Apply chromatography, including simulated moving bed chromatography and counter-current chromatography, to complex lignin-derived streams.
• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting.
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers.
• Communicate scientific results effectively in written and oral formats.
• Author peer-reviewed publications.
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists.
• Recover pulping chemicals.

Benefits

• 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 insurance.
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Potential performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards with a monetary component, subject to eligibility and not guaranteed.
• Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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