Heterogeneous Catalysis Research Postdoc

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 record4
  • 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.

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.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

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 beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. 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 childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO 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.

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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