Postdoctoral Research Associate- Nonlinear Spectroscopy in Chemical Separations

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Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Nonlinear Spectroscopy in Chemical Separations

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on studies at liquid-liquid interfaces of relevance to chemical separations using a suite of surface-specific optical spectroscopies, scattering techniques, and ultrafast pump probe spectroscopies. This work aims to uncover mechanistic insight into how ion partitioning and local gradients at interfaces can be controlled using external stimuli. The position resides in the Chemical Dynamics Group in the Chemical Transformation Section, Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The postdoc will work within a multidisciplinary multi-institutional team involving experts in spectroscopy, separation chemistry, and theory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Apply surface specific nonlinear optical spectroscopies to the study of liquid-liquid interfaces during liquid extraction.
• Use vibrational pump-probe spectroscopies to study molecular mechanisms and dynamics of extraction phases.
• Design new approaches to probe stimulus-driven interfaces at and away from equilibrium.
• Develop efficient data analysis protocols to uncover meaningful patterns and insights from experimental data and work with theorists to help interpret results.
• Assist in carrying out neutron/x-ray scattering experiments.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Work with ORNL staff and other postdoctoral research associates and students to accomplish research goals.
• Present and report research results at meetings and conferences 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ultrafast laser-based spectroscopies or micros copies, with special emphasis on infrared vibrational techniques (i.e., vibrational sum-frequency generation, IR-transient absorption, 2D-IR, etc.).
• Experience controlling hardware and data analysis using Python/Matlab.
• Experience with wet chemistry, chemical separations or studies of liquid interfaces.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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…