Post Doctorate Research Associate - Catalytic Hydrogenation Catalysis

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security.

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to contribute to the experimental catalytic hydrogenation materials effort within PNNL’s DOE Alternative Fuels and Feed stocks program. As a postdoctoral researcher in the Catalysis Science group, you will join a talented, multi-investigator team to study hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) using robust heterogeneous catalysts and economically viable processes. You will also develop alternative ammonia synthesis methods using processes such as chemical looping.

These projects will be conducted as part of a PNNL team and in collaboration with a research consortium with four other National Laboratories. You will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues across this consortium as well as within PNNL. You will synthesize catalysts, including metals on supports, study their performance in batch and continuous reactors, and will help in designing the experiments and laboratory set-up.

Reaction calorimetry using DSC and Calvet techniques will be used to understand reaction pathways, along with typical catalysis characterization as needed.

• Conduct independent research and work on team assignments
• Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff within the Catalysis Science Group, Physical Sciences Division, and across PNNL
• Prepare progress reports and lead manuscript development for the peer-reviewed scientific literature
• Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
• Participate in the development of new research ideas and proposals

If you are a postdoctoral researcher ready to test your talents and training in Catalysis Science and hone your skills at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you. Details are below; you do not need to meet all of the preferred qualifications to be considered.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Laboratory proficiency geared toward heterogeneous catalysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D education in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated training and aptitude in Chemical Sciences
• Ability to assemble and operate experimental catalysis experiments
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as TG/DSC, GC/MS, chemisorption, etc.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communications skills

Not Applicable

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research…