Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational Catalyst and Process Development

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational Catalyst and Process Development

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

Working at NREL

Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world's energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.

At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Learn about NREL's critical objectives : NREL's Mission and Vision.

Job Description

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NREL's Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-up Center involving the application of computational approaches toward catalyst and process development for the conversion of renewable (e.g., biomass) and waste (e.g., CO2, biogas) feedstocks to fuels, materials, and chemicals.

The researcher will apply state-of-the-art computational tools in support of multi-investigator, interdisciplinary projects focused on mechanistic studies, catalyst screening, and catalyst / process optimization including through the application of data science and / or machine learning approaches to accelerate research progress. The specific scope of projects will be determined based on candidate skills and interests. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years.

The successful candidate will :

• Creatively develop and perform ab intio simulations using software packages (e.g., VASP, Gaussian) to elucidate reaction mechanisms and understand the structure and function of multi-component catalyst materials under reaction conditions
• Communicate with researchers and engineers operating state-of-the-art experimental systems to collaboratively design complementary experiments and physically realistic simulations, analyze data, and interpret results
• Frequently review the scientific literature to inform research, conceptualize plans, and interpret data
• Work with senior staff to plan and design research projects to advance decarbonization technologies, define relevant technical objectives, and interact with and provide regular project reports to government and / or industrial clients.
• Disseminate knowledge through publications in technical journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and review meetings.

Basic Qualifications

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

Additional Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science granted within the last three years

Preferred Qualifications

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile : Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range : $74,900 - $123,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin / ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations

E-Verify www.dhs.gov / E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.

Salary : $74,900 - $123,600