Postdoctoral Research Associate -Polymer Chemist

Requisition Id 13242

Overview:

We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates. One will focus on the synthesis and characterization of dynamic polymers to elucidate their non-equilibrium states, and another will focus on polymer upcycling especially deconstruction of various commercial step-growth polymers. This position resides in the Soft Materials and Membranes group in the Separation and Polymer Chemistry section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our team, the postdoc will synthesize novel dynamic polymers and conduct in-depth characterization especially using rheometer combined with Raman and dielectric spectroscopy as well as small-angle neutron scattering. The project is highly collaborative and the candidate will work with other polymer scientists, rheologists, computational chemists, as well as neutron scattering experts. In polymer upcycling project, the postdoc will conduct deconstruction of various commercial products of step-growth polymers by working with an industry collaborator as well as investigate fundamental science of polymer deconstruction and upcycling. The postdocs are expected to be involved with other polymer science projects such as the development of polymer composites, adhesives, building materials, and polymer electrolytes for energy storage and conversion.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation's biggest problems. With a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people, ORNL's decadal vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL's broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Synthesis of novel dynamic polymers

• Rheological characterization of dynamic polymers to understand their non-equilibrium states

• Mechanical and thermal characterization of dynamic polymers

• Deconstruction of commercial step-growth polymers, and evaluation of their kinetics and separation

• Upcycling of various polymers

• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

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

• 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 completed in the last 5 years

• Expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization methods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and expertise in rheology of polymers

• Knowledge and expertise in Raman spectroscopy

• Knowledge and expertise in mechanical and viscoelastic characterization of polymers

• Knowledge and expertise in well-defined polymers and controlled functionalization including dynamic functional groups

• Knowledge and expertise in multi-step organic synthesis

• Knowledge and expertise in polymer circularity

• Knowledge and expertise in reactor engineering

• Knowledge and expertise in LCA and TEA

• Knowledge and expertise in polymer processing and manufacturing

• 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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

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.

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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.

Nearest Major Market: Knoxville