Postdoctoral Research Associate- Computational Chemist for Excited-State Modeling

Requisition Id 14890 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on applying computational methods in the areas of stimulus responsive separations and energy related processes. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Separations and Polymer Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

In this role, you will perform computational studies aimed at better understanding of photochemically driven processes to control ligand binding and release, and pH modulation using photoacids and photo-bases. The work will focus on modeling of adiabatic and nonadiabatic photochemical processes to capture excited states dynamics using an array of ab initio molecular dynamics methods for excited states. You will also work within a multidisciplinary multi-institutional team involving specialists in theory, nonlinear electronic spectroscopy, organic synthesis, and materials characterization.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work with a diverse team of scientists seeking to advance scientific understanding of structural and energetic aspects of ions binding and separation.
• Conduct ab initio excited-state calculations to elucidate the thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural factors governing light-driven binding, release, and selectivity in stimulus-responsive separations.
• Perform excited-state dynamics simulations to investigate photoinduced processes and connect them to timescales obtained from nonlinear electronic spectroscopic measurements
• Plan and conduct simulations and work with experimentalists to help interpret spectroscopic results and guide the design of new chelating agents.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Present and report research results 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 theoretical or computational chemistry or closely related field in physical chemistry or chemical physics completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated expertise with static (e.g., TDDFT, EOM-CCSD, CASPT2) and dynamic (e.g., SHARC, AIMS) excited-state calculations for modeling photophysical and photochemical processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in photophysical processes, photochemistry, and electronic spectroscopy.
• Experience using and integrating quantum chemistry software packages into workflows for excited-state simulations (e.g., OpenMolcas, Molpro, SHARC).
• Ability to model the dynamics of molecules in their excited electronic states, including nonadiabatic processes and surface hopping techniques.
• Programming experience in workflow automation and scientific computing.
• Experience running large-scale excited-state simulations on HPC platforms.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• 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:

Postdocs:

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.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecuriting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.