Postdoctoral Research Associate - Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Synthetic Organic Chemistry

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in inorganic or materials chemistry/science or chemical engineering who will focus on separation, processing, and characterization of inorganic sorbents/membranes/solvent extraction for critical mineral extraction from brines, minerals, and coal ash. This position resides in the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This METALLIC (Minerals to Materials Supply Chain Facility) project will develop materials and processing technologies that will result in a transformational improvement in gallium, germanium and rare earth magnetic material extraction methods from naturally occurring concentrated brines, coal and coal ash, minerals and recycled magnets and batteries. Success will enable a fundamental shift in the domestic critical material supply curve while advancing Critical Materials Consortium capabilities in materials extraction from alternative resources—both vital to U.S. economic and energy security goals.

This incumbent will work in close collaboration with other researchers from the Chemical Sciences Division, Manufacturing Science Division, and Building and Transportation Science Division.

• Investigate critical material separation from brine and leachate solution individually and in collaboration with research partners.
• Conduct research in developing novel membrane, solvent extraction, and ion exchange processes targeting high capacity and selectivity for the extraction of gallium, graphite and rare earth elements from brine and minerals.
• Conduct research in benchmarking newly developed critical material separation processes relative to the current state of the art.
• Research on magnet recycling and building efficiency materials.
• Test lithium salts recovered from brine solution in lithium-ion or lithium-air batteries; use multiple techniques for characterization and analysis of membranes and composites including X‑ray/neutron powder diffraction, electron microscopy, and lithium analysis using ICP, NMR, etc.
• Collaborate with ORNL postdocs and staff involved in the synthesis and characterization of sorbents and membranes.
• Participate in the development of new ideas and projects.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer‑reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• 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.

• Ph.D. degree in inorganic or materials chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last 5 years.

• Strong background in inorganic or materials chemistry or materials physics.
• Experience with extraction and separation of materials.
• Experience in critical mineral extraction and characterization methods.
• Strong track record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within five years of the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position.