Electrophoretic Separations and Materials Characterization Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or comparable discipline for the Mineral & Molecular Separations & Analysis Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing and validating electrophoretically driven silicate gel platforms for extraction and separation of critical metals from silicate-rich feed stocks.

This role will support a multidisciplinary research effort aimed at understanding and controlling silicic acid polymerization, metal entrapment mechanisms, and ligand-assisted free-flow electrophoretic separations. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with their Principal Investigator and regularly collaborate with experts in synchrotron spectroscopy, soft matter chemistry, and geological feedstock characterization. They will operate within an interdisciplinary team environment, coordinating experimental design, data interpretation, and method development across multiple research tasks.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Conduct experimental research on electrophoretically driven silicic acid polymerization, gel structuring, and metal extraction efficiencies under variable pH, ionic strength, and field conditions.
• Perform spectroscopic and structural characterization (EXAFS, XPS, FTIR, PDF analysis, electron microscopy) to evaluate metal adsorption mechanisms, gel morphology, and field-induced polymerization behavior.
• Design, develop, and test ligand-assisted free-flow electrophoresis systems to achieve selective electrophoretic separation of critical metals using stripped silicate matrices.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with electrophoresis, electrochemical separations, or field-assisted extraction methods.
• Experience with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS/XANES), FTIR, XPS, or related structural characterization tools.
• Background in critical materials extraction.
• Familiarity with ligand design, metal-ligand coordination behavior, or separation science

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 pounds using carts/dollies to move equipment into place.

Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $ Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.