Postdoctoral Appointee - Molecule Activation, Onsite

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Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a highly motivated POSTDOCTORAL APPOINTEE to develop advanced catalytic approaches for small molecule activation, focusing on novel metal hydride and organometallic catalysts that efficiently activate dinitrogen and dihydrogen bonds for ammonia and fuel synthesis. Research involves two primary themes: (1) the synthesis of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for small molecule activation (H2, N2, CO2), including thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic routes that convert these small molecules to fuels, and (2) the development of innovative ammonia chemical looping processes using metal hydrides and imides.

This research is driven by the national need for durable, high-performance catalysts and materials capable of efficient and reliable operation under realistic industrial conditions, enabling cost-effective production of fuels and fertilizers. This research aims to enable rational design of inorganic and organometallic catalysts by changing the chemical composition and local atomic arrangements in crystalline or amorphous configurations. The focus is on understanding processes governing small molecule activation (thermally/electrochemically), effects of interfaces, as well as elucidating kinetic isotope effects.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

Design, synthesize, and characterize novel inorganic, organic, and organometallic compounds, including growing X-ray quality crystals and utilizing X-ray and/or neutron diffraction, NMR, and synchrotron-based spectroscopic techniques.

Collaborate with a large multidisciplinary team, working closely with experts in computational modeling, systems engineering, advanced characterization and artificial intelligence/data science to accelerate the discovery of new (electro) catalytic processes for cost- and atom-efficient production of fuels and fertilizers

Communicate technical progress, milestones, and research findings through written reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at internal and external meetings and conferences

For additional information, please visit https://www.sandia.gov/research/research-foundations/

Qualifications We Require:

A recent PhD in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, or related field with a strong emphasis on synthesis of new catalysts and their characterization.

Direct, hands-on experience with catalyst synthesis, glove-box techniques, and characterization techniques (spectroscopy tools, X-ray and/or neutron diffraction, electron microscopy).

Strong record of research expertise in the form of technical publications and conference presentations

This position requires access to export-controlled or ITAR information. Only U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees or refugees) are eligible for consideration.

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

Qualifications We Desire:

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

Small molecule activation using chemical and electrochemical approaches.

Synthesis and characterization of organometallic compounds and/or small organic molecules.

Advanced characterization techniques, such as single-crystal/powder XRD, neutron methods, soft X-ray techniques, small-angle X-ray…