Postdoctoral Researcher – Heterogeneous catalysis biomass conversion and plastics recycling

Job Description

The RRES Center at NLR has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher within the Chemical Catalysis and Reaction Engineering group. Our group is conducting research to enable 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. The successful candidate will work on projects focused on research and development of heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of multiple feed stocks, including bio‑derived substrates and plastics into value‑added target products.

The ideal candidate will have experience in flow chemistry.

• Design, characterize, and evaluate heterogeneous catalysts using authentic bio‑ and waste‑derived feed stocks
• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Learn new techniques and protocols
• 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, biologists, and chemists

• Recent PhD graduate within the last three years
• Must meet educational requirements before employment start date

• Experience in heterogeneous catalysis design and characterization
• Ability to conduct reactions in continuous flow reactors
• Familiarity with mass transfer effects in reacting systems
• Experience with heterogeneous catalysis characterization methods (e.g., TPD/TPR, XRD, BET, Raman spectroscopy)
• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to deliver high‑quality results within aggressive timelines
• Strong record of quality peer‑reviewed publications
• Strong safety record and ability to follow complex standard operating procedures

• Familiarity with relevant analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC‑MS, NMR spectroscopy)
• Experience with bio‑derived or waste‑derived authentic feed stocks
• Experience with continuous stirred tank reactors

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 dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, 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.

Disabled individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation may contact the appropriate office.