Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic and Critical Minerals Separation Chemist

Requisition Id 17075 

Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry and/or Critical Materials Separation Science to develop next-generation ligands and functionalized sorbents for the selective extraction and recovery of gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), and other critical minerals from complex zinc-processing feedstocks. The successful candidate will conduct organic synthesis, materials characterization, solvent extraction, and solid-phase separation studies to advance sustainable critical mineral recovery technologies. This position resides in the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for delivering high impact research results to advance the work on Gallium and Germanium separations. You will be very closely working with specialists in synthesis, separations chemistry, radiochemistry, theory, spectroscopy, and materials characterization. This project will develop materials and processing technologies that will result in a transformational improvement in separation and recovery methods for Gallium and Germanium.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and synthesize organic ligands, functionalization of resins, polymers.
• Design and execute adsorption based solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separation experiments to meet project goals
• Use analytical techniques such as NMR, MS, FT-IR, TGA, DSC, XRD, BET, SEM for characterization.
• Perform ion separation experiments, use ICP to determine ion concentrations
• Collaborate with ORNL staff, University collaborators, Industry partners who are involved in the project
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Present and report research results at the project, group, PI meetings and national conferences
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• 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:

• Ph.D. in organic or inorganic or polymer chemistry, materials science or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in separations chemistry of metal ions, most desirably experience with Gallium and/or transition metals/lanthanides and experience with electrochemical separation is a plus
• Experience in ligand synthesis, functionalization of resins or polymers.
• Experience with sorbent extraction, adsorption, or packed-column systems for separation and use of appropriate analytical techniques such as ICP-OES or ICP-MS
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Hands-on experience designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating materials for separation applications
• A strong track record of productive and creative research proven 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:

• 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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant 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 of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying for 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: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

#LI-DC1  

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.