Postdoctoral Research Associate Chemistry

The Chemistry Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a two-year contract. The RA will be responsible for the development of non-PGM/low-PGM electrocatalysts for seawater electrolyzers, including nanomaterials synthesis and electrochemical characterization such as cyclic voltammograms and polarization curve measurements. The RA will also characterize the nanocatalysts using scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), as well as other conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The RA will also participate in research using in situ synchrotron-based characterization using electrochemical cells at NSLS-II/BNL. This position will include efforts as part of the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program for R&D on electrocatalysts for seawater electrolysis.

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:

• Design, synthesize, and characterize nano-structured non-PGM and low-PGM electrocatalysts.

• Perform materials characterization using S/TEM/EDS and XRD

• Participate in translating the experimental results into new scientific knowledge through the use advanced data analysis techniques.

• Manuscript preparation

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field, conferred within the last five years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.

• Experience with electrochemistry/electrocatalysis, nanomaterials synthesis, and electrochemical performance characterization.

• Experience with materials characterization techniques including S/TEM and XRD

• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in experimental science.

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)
• Experience with IR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
• Experience in hardware design for materials synthesis and/or electrochemical experiments.

Compensation:

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $80,000 - $85,000/year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Other Information

• This is a 2-year postdoc assignment
• 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 postdoc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.