Postdoctoral Research Associate In Heterogeneous Catalysis And Biomass Conversion

What You Will Do
The Inorganic, Isotope & Actinide Chemistry Group (C-IIAC) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the area of Heterogeneous Catalysis and Biomass Conversion. The selected candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a broad range of biomass catalytic conversion and bio-derived chemicals production activities with a focus on developing new value-added bio-derived molecules.
The candidate will engage in one or more of the following areas:

• Design and synthesis of novel catalytic materials, particularly heterogeneous catalytic materials
• Development of Biomass Conversion strategies for the production of high-value-added fuels and chemicals
• Run batch and continuous flow packed bed reactors with the synthesized catalyst and developed conversion strategies for reaction mechanism and kinetic studies
• Characterize catalytic materials with analytical instruments, e.g., Chemisorption, BET, TGA, SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, etc., and identify conversion productions in gas, liquid, and solid phase with GC-TCD, micro-GC, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, etc.
• Modeling techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis for the designed reaction process and identifying sensitivity steps to optimize simulations

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstration of a strong background and extensive hands-on experience in catalytic conversions and organic chemical reactions in bench-scale high-pressure Parr reactors, and production scale-up in continuous reaction system
• Demonstrated extensive hands-on experience in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and quantified products analysis with experience in Chemisorption, BET, TGA, SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, GC-TCD, micro-GC, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis for Biomass Conversions
• Proven ability to work creatively and independently with a comprehensive understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field within the last five years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment.
Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with standard chemistry techniques for molecular synthesis and characterization (Schlenk line, glovebox, chromatography, etc.)
• Experience with hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry
• Familiarity with chemical and fuel property measurement and analysis (density, viscosity, freezing/boiling/flash point, surface tension, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, and plan/organize assignments to meet milestones before deadlines
• Strong work ethic, responsible, self-motivated, and willing to work as a team member

Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman, Frederick Reines, or Darleane Christian Hoffman Fellowships. For general information about LANL's postdoctoral program and more, please refer to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/index.php.
Where You Will Work
Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. Inorganic, Isotope, and Actinide Chemistry (C-IIAC) Group performs research and addresses mission needs related to the nation's nuclear energy, renewable energy and medical imaging arenas.
Mission thrust areas within the group include actinide chemistry supporting new materials and separation processes, development of the production methods and applications of accelerator-produced radioisotopes, and energy storage/production methods using chemical systems. Basic and applied research conducted within the group includes nuclear chemistry and physics, accelerator target physics, inorganic chemistry, Catalysis and chemical transformations, and environmental chemistry in support of these programs.
LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.
Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Paid time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
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