Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational Catalyst and Process Development

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NREL’s Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-up Center involving the application of computational approaches toward catalyst and process development for the conversion of renewable (e.g., biomass) and waste (e.g., CO2, biogas) feedstocks to fuels, materials, and chemicals.

The researcher will apply state-of-the-art computational tools in support of multi-investigator, interdisciplinary projects focused on mechanistic studies, catalyst screening, and catalyst/process optimization including through the application of data science and/or machine learning approaches to accelerate research progress. The specific scope of projects will be determined based on candidate skills and interests. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years.

The successful candidate will:

• Creatively develop and perform ab intio simulations using software packages (e.g., VASP, Gaussian) to elucidate reaction mechanisms and understand the structure and function of multi-component catalyst materials under reaction conditions
• Communicate with researchers and engineers operating state-of-the-art experimental systems to collaboratively design complementary experiments and physically realistic simulations, analyze data, and interpret results
• Frequently review the scientific literature to inform research, conceptualize plans, and interpret data
• Work with senior staff to plan and design research projects to advance decarbonization technologies, define relevant technical objectives, and interact with and provide regular project reports to government and/or industrial clients.
• Disseminate knowledge through publications in technical journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and review meetings.

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Basic Qualifications

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science granted within the last three years

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering, chemistry, and/or data science knowledge to develop and execute computational simulations of chemical phenomena
• Experience in atomist