Postdoctoral Research Associate Catalysis And X-Ray Spectroscopy

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University.

The Hard X-ray Scattering & Spectroscopy (HXSS) program at BNL’s National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) offers world-class capabilities for studying complex and heterogeneous materials under in situ and operando conditions. The program provides advanced spectroscopy, diffraction, and imaging x-ray tools, supported by computational resources for high-throughput analysis and modeling. One of the leading research directions in the HXSS science program is heterogeneous catalysis with emphasis on in situ and operando characterization. The Inner Shell Spectroscopy (ISS) beamline is a frontier X-ray spectroscopy instrument allowing high throughput and high energy resolution studies of a variety of catalysts. ISS is aimed at establishing structure-function relationships under relevant reaction conditions.

NSLS-II is seeking exceptional candidates for a research associate position in the Hard X-ray Scattering and Spectroscopy program. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the ISS team and supporting technical, engineering and controls staff. They will be involved in developing, commissioning, and testing custom sample environments for catalysis experiments, including high pressure gas and integration of the high energy resolution spectrometers in the ISS operando catalysis research infrastructure. They will also be involved in the support of the users at the beamline, including industrial partners. Leveraging the technical developments, the successful candidate will conduct mechanistic studies of catalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation at high pressures in collaboration with ISS scientists.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in experiment planning, execution, translation of results into new scientific knowledge.
• Develop and maintain safe practices and working conditions.
• Take part in the logistic work required for successful beamline user operation
• Disseminate scientific results as manuscripts, conference presentations, progress reports etc.
• Develop, commission, and test new catalysis infrastructure at the ISS beamline.

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Knowledge of in-situ/operando characterization applied to heterogeneous catalysis, relevant instrumentation and data analysis methods
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
• A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills and methodical record-keeping
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray characterization techniques
• Understanding of heterogeneous catalytic reaction mechanisms, demonstrated by a publication record

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in programming using Python or equivalent languages
• Demonstrated record of applying X-ray absorption spectroscopy to solve problems in heterogenous catalysis
• Expertise with sample environment development and applications
• Knowledge of X-ray absorption spectroscopy data modelling including advanced quantum methods

OTHER INFORMATION:

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation: Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Table Tennis Pong, Softball, Tennis)
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts

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.