Postdoctoral Research Associate - Supramolecular Chemistry and Ion Separations

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate who will focus on basic and applied research directed to supramolecular chemistry and ion separations. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Participating in project planning and execution.
• Perform hands‑on synthesis and characterization (e.g., using NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopies, X‑ray crystallography, etc.).
• Employ a range of separation techniques, including crystallization, solvent extraction, and photochemical separations.
• Present and report research results at project, group, and national meetings.
• 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 chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science and engineering, materials science and engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in chemical separations.

• Research experience in photo‑responsive receptors, supramolecular chemistry, or stimuli‑responsive separation systems.
• Expertise in at least one separation technique, such as crystallization, liquid‑liquid extraction, ion exchange, or membrane processes.
• Hands‑on experience in the design, synthesis, and characterization (e.g., NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopies) of photo‑responsive ligands for ion separations.
• Research experience in one or more separation processes such as filtration, solvent extraction, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑liquid separations, gas‑liquid separation, membrane contractors, adsorption, and packed column system.
• Research experience in separation and purification of critical materials including rare earth elements, oxyanions, and transition metals.
• Experience with determination of binding constants by NMR, UV‑Vis, or potentiometric titration.
• Proficiency in structural characterization by single‑crystal and powder X‑ray diffraction.
• Experience with determination of binding constants by NMR, UV‑Vos, or potentiometric titration.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated 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 cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to 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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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…