Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations Engineering

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations Engineering

CO - Golden

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

40

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado and is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world‑class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future.

Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost‑effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission‑driven environment supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well‑being.

The RRES Center at NLR has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher within the Separations Science group. Our group is conducting research to enable realistic, cost‑effective processes for biomass and waste feedstock conversion and chemical recycling of waste plastics. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years.

This position focuses on the recovery of bio‑based products through in‑situ product recovery (ISPR). This position stems from our recent work and will continue to build from our learnings.

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./d5gc01813g

/c7gc03747c

/c9gc01844a

The successful candidate will evaluate adsorption resin‑based ISPR, electrochemical pH‑swing ISPR, and other methods to recover a bio‑based carboxylic acid that will contribute to a project focused on integrated process development for bio‑based polymers from cellulosic sugars.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats
• Author peer‑reviewed publications
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists

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

Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Expertise and experience in designing, operating, and scaling novel separations processes
• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Strong record of quality peer‑reviewed publications
• Strong safety record and ability to follow complex standard operating procedures

• Familiarity with electrochemical, resin, or crystallization separations
• Experience with ISPR

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

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

NLR 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 include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and…