Postdoc Research Associate - Ionic Liquid Chemist

Job Description

Savannah River National Laboratory's Environmental and Legacy Management (ELM) group is seeking a post-doctoral researcher in the area of ionic-liquid based materials.

This LDRD Lab Director's Postdoc position is focused on leading, advancing, developing, and applying ionic-liquid chemistry knowledge in a research and development environment to anticipate, innovate, and deliver solutions in support of the mission.

This position will support a Lab Directed Fellowship position to prepare novel materials to be used in tribological systems through innovative technologies that support a broad range of industrial market and US government needs.

The selected candidate will be working closely with a research mentor.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are fixed term assignments within the company and benefits eligible.

Responsibilities

This position may involve discovery, design, and development of innovative solutions which advance the state of the art. Specifically, the researcher will be responsible for performing and documenting laboratory applied science experimentation in the field of radioactive and hazardous material processing (including spent nuclear fuel), stabilization, and characterization to enable nuclear materials processing, site cleanup, and waste disposition across the Department of Energy complex.

Work scope may include process support of operating facilities at SRS and throughout the DOE complex to include chemical characterization, interrogation of chemical reaction thermodynamic or kinetic modeling, expansion of scientific boundaries in nuclear knowledge and processes, optimization, integration, and/or process troubleshooting of current site or DOE-complex processes, nuclear material disposition experimentation, and development of novel waste forms or reclamation processes. Candidate is expected to develop novel solutions and creative proposals to secure additional research funding. Relevant technical skillsets include knowledge of advanced chemical characterization techniques, ion exchange, reaction modeling, solvent extraction, nuclear materials processing, and process integration.

Positions focused on leading, advancing, developing, and applying science, technology, engineering, information technology, and research and development, to anticipate, innovate, and deliver solutions to Laboratory missions. These positions may involve discovery, design, and development of innovative solutions which advance the state of the art. Positions within the Science and Engineering Career Band typically require a university degree and equivalent work experience that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles and concepts. Responsible to assist with tests and studies as needed and frequently participate in advanced experiments.

• Uses basic logic and common sense to arrive at solutions.
• Develops partnerships with internal team members.
• Able to communicate well in straight-forward situations.
• Understands their own job and how the role interacts with their team.
• Knowledgeable about their specific job.
• Gains support for ideas within the team.
• Immediate work team.
• Does not manage employees but may mentor and/or train subordinates.
• Implements changes provided by management.
• Completes routine and repetitive tasks where tasks are straightforward.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in materials science; chemistry; environmental or chemical engineering with a background of organic synthesis.
• Individuals must have completed all requirements for their PhD by the start of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate level government security clearance for which a US citizenship status is legally required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry (air- and moisture-free synthesis).
• Experience with materials science (ionic liquids preferred)
• A general understanding of optical properties of materials.
• Ability to communicate scientific results to a broad spectrum of scientific peers and stakeholders.

About Us

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation's environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

*Benefits vary based upon employment status

• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
• Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
• AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
• Savings & Investment plan:
• Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
• Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (3 yrs. vesting in company match)
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at www.srnl.doe.gov.

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA 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. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

About the Team

SRNL's Environmental & Legacy Management (ELM) Directorate closely collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and site contractors to develop, mature, and apply science and technology needed to resolve environmental challenges and advance legacy management missions. As the lead laboratory for Environmental Management (DOE-EM) and Legacy Management (DOE-LM), SRNL applies our talent and expertise to develop and deploy innovative approaches and technologies to reduce risk, cost, and schedule of environmental cleanup and nuclear material processing. Additionally, ELM is using our competencies to develop new materials and processes for a range of clean energy applications.