Postdoctoral Research Associate - Experimental Geochemistry

Requisition

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group in the Chemical Science Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work collaboratively with scientists in CSD to develop an understanding of the stability of precipitated amorphous materials and their reactivity. The research will also take advantage of other DOE user facilities, e.g., the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL or at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on scientific projects to advance our understanding of critical elements residing in minerals and from amorphous to crystalline transitions leading to mineral formation. The successful candidate will work as part of a team whose interests include, but are not limited to, contaminant fate and transport in subsurface geologic environments, crystal nucleation and growth, heterogeneous reaction rates, and geochemical reaction mechanisms, interface reactivity, energy storage, and separations.

• Perform wet chemical experiments.
• Perform neutron and X-ray scattering/spectroscopy experiments that focus on in situ observation of reaction kinetics and mechanisms.
• Analyze neutron and X-ray scattering data and contribute to developing data analysis workflows.
• Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate.
• 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 geosciences, chemistry, materials sciences, material chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials (for example Li/Na ion batteries, solid electrolytes, carbonates, REE-related structures).

• Experience in wet chemistry and/or mineralogy.
• Experience with spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, SEM, EPMA, XAS and other characterization techniques).
• Experience working in user facilities.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• 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 PhD 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.

• 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…