Postdoctoral Research Associate - Applied Catalysis

Requisition Id 14641

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Applied Catalysis and Emissions Research Group in the Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The mission of the Applied Catalysis and Emissions Research Group is to develop, understand, and demonstrate technologies for efficient energy conversion with a broad-range of fuels and near-zero emissions of pollutants. You will have the opportunity to work on projects focused on: catalysts for control of combustion engine emissions; methane oxidation catalysts (MOCs); sulfur and NOx traps for fuel cell air purification; catalytic fuel reforming; catalysts for carbon dioxide capture and purification; catalysts for converting carbon dioxide to fuels and value-added chemical intermediates.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Evaluate the performance and durability of catalytic materials under realistic operating conditions in flow reactor systems.
• Characterize catalytic materials through techniques that may include surface spectroscopy (DRIFTS), titration of active sites through chemisorption, reducibility (TPR), and surface area measurements (BET).
• Synthesize catalytic materials including oxides of transition metals, supported metal catalysts, and zeolites.
• Report research results in peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, and project reviews and reports.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of excellence in experimental catalysis research as demonstrated through high-impact peer reviewed publications and/or patents
• Experience operating flow reactor systems, including on-line instrumentation (FTIR, MS, FID, GC)
• Experience characterizing catalysts, including techniques such as DRIFTS and site titration through chemisorption, TPR, and BET
• Experience synthesizing catalysts
• Familiarity with LabVIEW software for control and data acquisition
• Familiarity with catalyst modeling
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.