Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations science and engineering biorefining

Posting Title Postdoctoral Researcher – Separations science and engineering for biorefining . 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 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 cost-effective processes for biorefineries. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal for up to three years. This position focuses on implementing innovative separations methods including advanced / designer membranes (e.g., OSN, OSRO) in dynamic filtration systems (to reduce fouling propensity) for lignin oil and water recovery from pulping streams.

This position focuses on development and demonstration of innovative methods in lignocellulosic biorefining, including solid-liquid separations through dynamic membrane filtration, chromatography for separations of complex lignin-derived streams (simulated moving bed chromatography and counter-current chromatography), and recovery of pulping chemicals. We encourage candidates to see the following publications for some context: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc00765d https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc04533e  https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/gc/d4gc02772h

• 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.

• Experience with membrane materials and processes.
• Experience with chromatography and liquid‑liquid extraction.
• Experience with automated control systems.
• Familiarity with Aspen Plus software, Python, thermodynamics, and general chemical purification techniques.
• Familiarity with fundamentals in material characterization techniques, spectroscopy, thermal analysis techniques, and chemical and elemental analysis 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

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with…