Postdoctoral Research Associate - Synthetic Organic and Polymer Chemist

Requisition Id 14022 

Overview: 

We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates who will focus on the synthesis of various polymer building blocks including oligoamides, acrylate and methacrylate monomers, and cycloalkenes and their polymerization to form polyamides, polymerized ionic liquids, and new intrinsically recyclable polymeric materials. This position resides in the Soft Materials and Membranes Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

The research will support collaborative efforts on enzyme engineering, which aims to polymerize and depolymerize commodity plastics such as Nylons and aliphatic polyesters, the study of photo-responsive polymerized ionic liquids for energy storage applications, and the development of novel intrinsically recyclable polymer systems. These Laboratory Directed Research and Development and Office of Science projects will involve organic synthesis and the development of novel synthetic pathways, step-growth, radical, and ring-opening polymerization of the synthesized building blocks, and thermomechanical characterization of the resulting polymeric materials. In this position, the postdoc will work as part of three different interdisciplinary teams focusing on disparate aspects of polymers in energy applications. The postdoc is expected to lead the synthesis efforts on these projects while integrating with technical support staff and expert collaborators in biochemistry, machine learning, computational chemistry, and analytical chemistry. They will also design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze quantitative data, write, and communicate results to the scientific community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Synthesize oligoamides, aliphatic hydroxy acids, and macro lactones

• Synthesize acrylate monomers and polyacrylate polymers

• Synthesize cyclic alkene monomers

• Synthesize polymers by step-growth, free radical, and ring-opening polymerizations

• Characterize polymer mechanical and viscoelastic properties

• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

• Present research results at national scientific meetings

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements

• Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations

• Participate in project planning and execution

• Maintain strong commitment 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or closely related fields

• Expertise in organic/polymer synthesis and characterization methods

• Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and expertise in multi-step organic synthesis

• Knowledge and expertise in controlled/living polymerization

• Knowledge and expertise in mechanical and viscoelastic characterization of polymers

• Knowledge and expertise in polymer processing and manufacturing

• Experience generating and analyzing large datasets

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently, safety conscious, and participate creatively in solving problems and refining projects’ directions

• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues

For additional information, contact Dr. Jeff Foster (fosterjc@ornl.gov).

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:

Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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.

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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.