Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher
- Quantum Dot Carrier Dynamics . Location CO
- Golden . Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . Working at NLR

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. It is a leading laboratory for energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you will 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.

The Materials, Chemical, and Computational Sciences Directorate has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to support research exploring the photo dynamics of quantum dots (QDs) supported by DOE Office of Science Basic Energy Science. This project will focus on understanding the fundamentals of photogenerated charge/spin separation and transfer using synthetic chemistry to change the QD composition and morphology. The position additionally will involve spectroscopic characterization of QDs to identify the impact of these structural changes on primary photochemical events as well as the surface chemistry to modulate the interfacial spin/charge/energy transfer properties.

To understand the impact of these manipulations on photochemical pathways, the candidate will be engaged in team science that leverages steady‑state (UV‑vis, IR, Raman, PL, EPR) and time‑resolved (IR, EPR, transient absorption, microwave, terahertz) spectroscopies. The successful candidate should therefore have experience in one or more of these characterization techniques and have a passion for devising experiments to deeply understand systems, not optimize them for performance.

The successful applicant will be invested in working in a cross‑disciplinary team of physical chemists, inorganic chemists, material scientists, and theorists to probe and understand surfaces, interfaces, and durability of newly developed chemistries and architectures. They should have proven expertise in data analysis, experimental design, presentations, and writing of manuscripts. The initial appointment is for 1 year with extension of up to 3 years total preferred, provided mutual satisfaction and availability of funds.

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publication, and communication.

• Synthesis of QDs or related nanostructured semiconductors.
• Spectroscopic or other characterization of QDs or related nanostructured semiconductors.
• Strategies for modulating interfacial chemistry of bulk or nanoscale systems.
• Additional experience in semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, spectro‑electrochemistry, and other interfacial modification and characterization techniques.

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

• 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)…