Postdoctoral Research Associate Chemistry

Apply Now Job ID JR101075Date posted 04/12/2024

The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for pulse radiolysis and laser photolysis investigations of reaction kinetics and mechanisms in ionic liquids, in pure form and in mixtures containing solutes. The purposes of the studies are to understand: 1) the fundamental radiation chemistry of ionic liquids (such as excess electrons and holes) and how it can be manipulated to produce desired products in known yields, and 2) how the molecular-scale heterogeneity of ionic liquids controls charge-transfer processes that are important for many energy applications.

Our group uses unique, world-leading instrumentation to study reaction dynamics at very short timescales and employs transient infrared spectroscopy to specifically identify reaction intermediates. The post-doctoral research associate will primarily work in the BNL Chemistry Division’s Accelerator Center for Energy Research (ACER), which features the Laser-Electron Accelerator Facility (LEAF) for picosecond pulse radiolysis, and a 2 MeV electron Van de Graaff for longer-timescale experiments. In particular, the candidate will employ and further refine LEAF’s picosecond Optical Fiber Single-Shot detection capability in the near-infrared to study excess charge solvation dynamics. Work will also occur in chemistry labs and laser flash photolysis labs in the Chemistry Division. This position also involves collaborations in ionic liquid synthesis, structure, dynamics and computational studies with several universities around the country and abroad.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform pulse radiolysis experiments on ACER’s two electron accelerators
• Improve LEAF’s picosecond experimental detection capabilities
• Perform flash photolysis experiments on picosecond and nanosecond laser systems
• Work with undergraduate interns who prepare and characterize custom-made ionic liquids to support physical studies
• Participate in translating the experimental results into new scientific knowledge through the use of advanced data analysis techniques
• Manuscript preparation
• Develop and maintain safe practices and working conditions

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• PhD. in chemistry or related field awarded within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.
• Experience with experimental data analysis
• Self-motivated and ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with experimental, time-resolved studies of reaction kinetics and mechanisms
• Experience problem solving to design or improve scientific experimental equipment
• Experience in (or familiarity with) radiation chemistry
• Experience in pulse radiolysis or laser flash photolysis techniques
• Experience in elucidating reaction mechanisms from kinetics experiments
• Experience with classical or ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
• Experience with ionic liquids or molten salts
• Familiarity with glove box usage

Other Information

• Occasional travel to meetings and other laboratories
• Occasional shift and weekend work
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $80000 - $85000 /year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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