Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational Catalysis for Decarbonization

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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 eight 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.

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Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

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) carbon sources to fuels, materials, and chemicals. The researcher will apply state-of-the-art computational tools in support of several multi-investigator, interdisciplinary projects focused on active phase/site elucidation, mechanistic studies, and enabling incorporation of data science approaches to accelerating research. 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.

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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
• Demonstrated excellence in ab intio simulations; comfortable working in UNIX and HPC environments
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering and/or chemistry. knowledge to computational simulations and data analysis as indicated through a strong publication record
• Interest in learning and applying emerging methods for computational catalysis research, such as machine learning-accelerated quantum chemistry, data science-based discovery of predictive relationships, and/or development of databases and web applications for research
• Ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams and to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines
• Excellent technical writing, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Dedication to a safe and clean work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Additional roles could include identifying opportunities for and executing projects involving the integration of data science approaches to accelerate catalyst and process development research and/or database and web application development, depending on candidate skills and interests
• Communicate and collaborate with researchers and engineers operating experimental systems to design complementary experiments and physically realistic simulations, analyze data, and interpret results
• Frequently review the scientific literature to inform ongoing research, interpret data, and share knowledge with research team
• Work with management and senior staff to plan and design projects, determine 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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Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $71,300 - $117,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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