Requisition Id 11142

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in synthesis and coordination chemistry to develop novel chelation platforms for s-, p-, and f-block metal ions of interest in nuclear medicine and clean energy applications. This position resides in the Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of the Chemical Separations Group, you will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in organic and polymer synthesis, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, laser spectroscopy, materials characterization, chemical separations, computational chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Our cold labs house state-of-the-art instruments including a triple-quad ICP mass spectrometer, single-crystal X-ray diffractometer, 2D-IR spectrometer, potentiometric titrators, and ultrafast laser systems. Our radiochemistry facility boasts 6 hoods and 2 gloveboxes equipped for radiological work, and an array of radioanalytical instruments for the detection of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-emitting isotopes and quantification of radioactive complexes. The successful candidate will conduct research focused on the development of novel chelation strategies to selectively bind s-, p-, and f-block elements and the application of these ligands in targeted radionuclide therapy and chemical/radiochemical separations. It is expected that you will publish your research accomplishments in high impact journals and present them at national meetings.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop novel chelators for radioactive and non-radioactive s-, p-, and f-block ions
• Perform organic synthesis of chelators on a multi-gram scale
• Use a variety of characterization methods to evaluate chelator affinity and selectivity, including radio-TLC, radio-HPLC, potentiometric titrimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Present and report research results at group meetings and national conferences
• Publish scientific results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear chemistry. or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• A strong dedication to overcoming research hurdles through hard work and perseverance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in multi-step synthesis of chelators or other organic molecules, isolation/purification (e.g., column chromatography, crystallization, etc.), and characterization (e.g., NMR, UV-vis, and FT-IR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, HPLC, etc.)
• Experience with determination of binding constants by NMR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrophotometry, or potentiometric titration
• Experience with safely handling radioactive isotopes, but we are willing to train
• Experience with common characterization methods of radioactive complexes, such as radio-TLC and radio-HPLC
• Background in separations, nuclear chemistry, organic, or inorganic chemistry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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

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.