Postdoctoral Research Associate - Artificial Photosynthesis Group - Brookhaven National Laboratory

The Chemistry Division has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate in the Artificial Photosynthesis group. The mission of the Chemistry Division (http://www.bnl.gov/chemistry) is to advance basic and applied science for new energy conversion and storage technologies. The Artificial Photosynthesis group conducts cutting-edge research in the advancement of fundamental knowledge of the processes leading to efficient conversion of solar energy to viable chemical fuels using abundant feedstocks such as water and carbon dioxide.

The successful candidate will work on projects which advance fundamental understanding of redox processes involved in photo- and/or electro-chemical activation of carbon dioxide. In particular, the areas of interest are: 1) development of molecular transition metal catalysts and elucidation of their catalytic activity using a variety of electrochemical, spectroscopic and fast transient methods; 2) mechanistic understanding of proton coupled electron transfer and its application to CO2 catalysis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive search and analysis of literature relevant to the project.
• Plan and carry out electrochemical, photochemical or transient experiments aimed at providing detailed reaction mechanisms. Use chromatographic and spectroscopic methods for the analysis of reaction products.
• Summarize experimental results in the form of reports, presentations and research articles.
• Actively collaborate with other team members, including theory experts.
• Present results at internal and external national and international meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in chemistry or related field awarded within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.
• A strong background in physical chemistry and/or inorganic chemistry.
• Experience with experimental data analysis.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Preparation, purification, and characterization of transition metal compounds.
• Skills in handling materials in an inert atmosphere.
• Knowledge of the spectroscopic properties of transition metal compounds and organic compounds.
• Experience in analysis and interpretation of electro-kinetic experiments (rates of interfacial electron transfer, rates of electrocatalysis, FOWA, Tafel analysis).
• Knowledge of advanced electrochemical techniques/methods (including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Interfacial Electrochemistry).
• Experience in analyzing kinetic data (such as stopped flow, flash photolysis, or pulse radiolysis).

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Any information pertaining to the environment, health or safety requirements for a position that will be considered when evaluating a candidate (e.g., details from JAF)

Other Information:

• This position is for on-site work only, occasional hybrid schedule is possible.
• Occasional travel to meetings and other laboratories.
• Occasional shift and weekend work.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a 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.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.