Postdoc Associate - Synthesis and; Radio; Chemical Separations

Postdoc Associate - Synthesis and (Radio)
Chemical Separations

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in organic synthesis to develop, characterize, and test new molecules for the chelation and separation of metal ions relevant to isotope production and energy. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), under the mentorship of Dr.

Nikki Thiele.

As part of the Chemical Separations Group, you will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in organic and inorganic synthesis, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, laser spectroscopy, materials characterization, chemical separations, computational chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Our cold labs house state-of-the-art instruments including a triple-quad ICP mass spectrometer, single-crystal X‑ray diffractometer, potentiometric titrators, and ultrafast laser systems. Our radiochemistry facility boasts 6 hoods and 2 glove boxes equipped for radiological work, and an array of radio analytical instruments for the detection of alpha‑, beta‑, and gamma‑emitting isotopes and quantification of radioactive complexes.

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for delivering high‑impact research results focused on advancing the development of novel chelation strategies to selectively bind rare earth elements, alkaline earth elements, and anions, and the application of these chelators in solid‑liquid and liquid‑liquid separation schemes.

• Perform hands‑on synthesis and characterization of novel organic compounds to meet project goals
• Use a variety of methods to characterize and evaluate newly synthesized molecular receptors (e.g., TLC, HPLC, potentiometric titrimetry, UV‑vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and single‑crystal X‑ray diffraction)
• Execute solid‑liquid and liquid‑liquid separations experiments and evaluate the results using analytical techniques such as ICP‑OES and ICP‑MS
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Present and report research results at group meetings and national conferences
• Publish scientific results in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• A PhD in chemistry or a related discipline, completed within the last five years

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic go‑getter with the ability to work independently to drive projects forward
• A strong background in multi‑step synthesis of chelators or other organic molecules on the gram scale; isolation/purification techniques (e.g., column chromatography, crystallization, etc.); and characterization methods (e.g., NMR, UV‑vis, and FT‑IR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, HPLC, etc.)
• Radiochemistry experience is preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Ability to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal…