Postdoctoral Researcher – Heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and plastics recycling

Postdoctoral Researcher – Heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and plastics recycling Location

CO - Golden

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

40

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado 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 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. Key to this position is a fundamentally driven ability to design new heterogeneous catalysts and use spectroscopic characterization tools to be able to understand how they function. The ideal candidate will also have experience in flow chemistry.

Interested candidates should read the following papers:

The successful candidate will be able to:

• 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

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

* Must meet educational requirements prior to 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

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: $76,600 - $126,400

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…