Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Chemical Dynamics, Onsite

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A postdoctoral fellowship is available at Sandia National Laboratories in fundamental studies of electron‑driven chemistry, chemical dynamics, and imaging of gas‑phase chemically reacting systems.

On any given day you will:

• Conduct experimental research under the mentorship of Dr. Jonathan Frank and Dr. David Chandler. The primary area of research will focus on electron‑molecule collisions. Electron‑molecule collisions initiate and drive a vast array of chemical processes such as ionization, dissociative electron attachment, and vibrational excitation. These processes play an essential role in plasma chemistry for low‑temperature chemical synthesis, vapor deposition, and recycling of hydrocarbon products.

The goal of this research is to understand the basic chemistry and energy transfer dynamics associated with these processes. Molecular and electron beam techniques combined with Velocity Mapped Ion Imaging are widely used in the laboratory to study collision‑induced dissociation of molecules, rotational energy transfer of electronically excited state molecules, unimolecular dissociation dynamics, and bimolecular reactions. In addition, development of new multiplexed, time‑resolved, optical‑and‑imaging diagnostic techniques will be encouraged.

The postdoc will be expected to present results at national and international conferences and to publish in high‑profile peer‑reviewed journals.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in chemistry, physics or closely related field
• Experience with laser diagnostics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications in peer‑reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively within a research team
• Experience with laser spectroscopy, molecular beam scattering, electron beams and electron manipulation, velocity‑mapped imaging, ultra‑cold plasmas, and computer programming.
• Ability to address complex problems creatively, and to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers.

The Gas‑Phase Chemical Physics Department is part of Sandia's Combustion Research Facility (CRF) in Livermore, California, where over 100 scientists, engineers, and technologists conduct basic and applied research to improve our nation's ability to use and control chemical processes efficiently and cleanly. Under the principal sponsorship of the Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Gas‑Phase Chemical Physics Department conducts fundamental experimental, theoretical, and modeling research to develop a foundational understanding of the key chemical processes that underlie the complex mechanisms of chemical transformations.

Research areas include chemical dynamics, ultrafast chemical physics, theoretical and experimental chemical kinetics, and gas‑phase and particulate diagnostics development and deployment.

This posting will be open for…