Postdoctoral Research Associate Chemistry

The Chemistry Division has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate in the Artificial Photosynthesis group. The mission of the Chemistry Division (http://www.bnl.gov/chemistry) is to advance basic and applied science for new energy conversion and storage technologies. The Artificial Photosynthesis group conducts cutting-edge research in the advancement of fundamental knowledge of the processes leading to efficient conversion of solar energy to viable chemical fuels using abundant feedstocks such as water and carbon dioxide.

The successful candidate will work on a project which focuses on the discovery of new modes of CO2 activation, accessible via the use of green electricity, which provide access to useful, multi-carbon platform chemicals. This project aims at a fundamental mechanistic understanding of radical pathways for electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to multi-carbon products and successful implementation of these basic concepts for the development of optimal electrolyzer conditions. This broad goal will be achieved through research activities in several key areas, including: a) use of radiolytic methods to investigate the effects of the ionic and solvent microenvironment on the thermodynamics, kinetics and selectivity of radical pathways of CO2 conversion into multi-carbon products in homogeneous solution, in order to guide the development of optimal electrolysis conditions; b) guided by studies in homogeneous solutions, develop novel electrode materials optimized for the production of multi-carbon products from CO2; c) test developed electrocathodes under conditions similar to those in functional electrolyzers.

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:

• Conduct comprehensive search and analysis of literature relevant to the project.

• Plan and carry out experiments in radiolysis-driven or electrochemical CO2 activation, including radiolysis experiments using ACER's facilities (pulse- and steady state-radiolysis). Use chromatographic and spectroscopic methods for the analysis of reaction products.

• Summarize experimental results in the form of reports, presentations and research articles.

• Actively collaborate with other team members.

• Present results at internal and external national and international meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in chemistry or related field awarded within the last 5 years or will have completed all PhD requirements by the commencement of employment.

• Demonstrated background in physical chemistry.

• Essential knowledge of electrochemical methods and their application to electrocatalysis.

• Experience with experimental data analysis.

• Self-motivated and ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of advanced electrochemical techniques/methods (including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Interfacial Electrochemistry, Electrode Kinetics).

• Preparation and characterization of complex electrode materials.

• Experience in elucidating reaction mechanisms from kinetics experiments.

• Familiarity with radiation chemistry.

• Familiarity with pulse radiolysis or laser flash photolysis techniques.

Other Information:

• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75000 - $85000/year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

• This position is for on-site work only, occasional hybrid schedule is possible.

• 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.