Post Doctorate RA - Biomimetic Materials

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate (PCSD) researchers lead major R&D efforts in experimental and theoretical interfacial chemistry, chemical analysis, high energy physics, interfacial catalysis, multifunctional materials, and integrated high-performance and data intensive computing.

PCSD is PNNL's primary steward for research supported by the Department of Energy's Offices of Basic Energy Sciences, Advanced Scientific Computing Research, and Nuclear Physics, all within the Department of Energy's Office of Science. 

Additionally, Directorate staff perform research and development for private industry and other government agencies, such as the Department of Defense and NASA. The Directorate's researchers are members of interdisciplinary teams tackling challenges of national importance that cut across all missions of the Department of Energy. 

We are seeking an exceptional Post Doctorate RA to join our materials science group at Physical Sciences Division (PSD). The focus will be on exploring biomimetic materials synthesis, encompassing the design and synthesis of peptoid membranes, the organic synthesis of peptoid materials, and the self-assembly and crystallization of sequence-defined peptoids. Additionally, the role involves exploring the covalent attachment of these peptoids with inorganic nanoparticles to form composite membranes. The successful candidate will focus on exploring fundamental challenges in the design and synthesis of bio-inspired functional materials that rival those found in nature. 

• Design and synthesis of sequence-defined polymers and solid-phase organic synthesis.
• Synthesis and fabrication of (bio)polymer membranes and spin coating.
• Membrane transport measurements using membrane permeation systems. 
• Assemble and troubleshooting device and system for membrane permeation test.
• Organic synthesis of sequence-defined peptoids and assembly of peptoids into crystalline nanomaterials including nanomembranes.
• Biomimetic control over the formation of inorganic nanocrystals and their assembly.
• Characterizations of peptoid-based crystalline nanomaterials using a range of experimental techniques, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AMF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. 
• Provide timely report on research progress and present organized results to the internal and external teams.
• Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Disseminate the research results via participation in project meetings and research conferences.
• Interact, communicate, coordinate, and problem solve with a multidisciplinary team of researcher within the Material Sciences group, PSD, and across PNNL.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD program in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on research lab experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, biomimetic materials synthesis, and biomimetic membrane transport measurements.
• Peer reviewed publications related to materials synthesis, membrane fabrication and transport, polymer synthesis and assembly, and materials characterization.
• Detailed knowledge of and hands-on experience with organic synthesis and spectroscopic and microscopic materials characterization methods, such as AFM, SEM, and TEM.
• The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools based on research needs.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in the completion of tasks important to the projects.  These include preparation of first drafts of papers for peer-reviewed journals, technical presentations, and scientific conferences. 

Not applicable

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use.  Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.  To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Salary : $69,000 - $119,100