Postdoc position in Physical Chemistry, USA (2015)

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Postdoctoral Research Associate – Physical Chemist – Catalytic Reactions (NB50513033). The Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Catalysis  at Group of the Chemical Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) currently has a post-doctoral position available for a Physical Chemist with expertise in studying reaction pathways and mechanisms in heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

General introduction: The group conducts research into surface chemistry of oxides and metals supported on oxides and catalytic reactions of oxygenates on these surfaces. Primary research interests are focused on mechanisms of dehydration and ketonization reactions with the goal to understanding the fundamental properties of oxide surface that control selectivity in these reactions.

Approaches include:

  • experimental and computational studies of kinetics and reactivity,
  • spectroscopic identification of surface reactants under in situ and operando conditions,
  • UHV based approach to surface chemistry and synthesis of model catalysts as an approach to understanding structure-function relationships in catalysis.

Arrays of techniques for characterizing physical and catalytic properties are in place or are currently being developed within the group. This research program also takes advantage of resources at ORNL and in particular at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and neutron scattering at the Spallation Neutron Source. The environment at ORNL is highly collaborative and crosscutting research exists between the Chemical Sciences Division and other Divisions at ORNL.

PURPOSE/tasks: Under general supervision, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will carry out catalytic reactions on a variety of different reactors with the aim of understanding reaction pathways and mechanisms. This work will provide key mechanistic information that will be linked to other parts of the program. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with other researchers involved in a Basic Energy Sciences (BES) funded project on Fundamentals of Catalysis and Chemical Transformations.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform catalytic reactions on plug-flow reactors and design experiments aimed at determination of kinetic rate laws and at unraveling the relevant reaction pathways.

• Create and implement analytical procedures for identification and quantification of catalytic products using GC and QMS instruments for detection of products.

• Perform temperature programmed desorption, reduction and oxidation and pulsed chemisorption measurements.

• Design and perform reactions in high-pressure reactors with injected liquid flow and perform product analysis by GC using existing equipment.

• 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.

Qualifications / Requirements

 • A PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or a closely related scientific discipline completed within the last 5 years.

• Demonstrated expertise in heterogeneous catalysis and a demonstrated background in performing catalytic micro-reactor studies and use of analytical methods for analyzing kinetics, rates, product distributions and catalytic selectivity.

• Excellent interpersonal skills along with demonstrated oral and written communication skills.

• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently and willing to participate creatively in a collaborative team effort.

• Proven ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs.

• The abilities to work on multiple tasks in a limited amount of time and to independently set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks to meet deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS required:

Experience in chemical synthesis of oxide catalysts and in surface analysis methods such as DRIFTS is a plus.

Work Directions and Interfaces Appointments will initially be for 24 months with a possibility of an extension of up to 12 months. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

How to Apply:  Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position.

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. 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), Excel(.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint(.ppt, .pptx), Adobe(.pdf), Rich Text Format(.rtf), HTML(.htm, .hmtl) and text files(.txt) up to 2MB in size.

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

Notice: If the position requires a Security Clearance, reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 will be conducted by the employer and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment and subsequent reinvestigations may be required. If the position is covered by the Counterintelligence Evaluation Program regulations at 10 CFR 709, a counterintelligence evaluation may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination. 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

Closing Date 11/01/2015