Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring postdoctoral researchers to develop novel chemical separations to support domestic critical materials production. These positions, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with a team of geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and computational scientists to develop new beneficiation and separations technologies to unlock unconventional domestic critical material resources.

A priority will be placed on experienced candidates with a strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials chemistry with applications in critical material separations. The chosen candidates will be expected to develop an independent, thriving, externally funded research portfolio, disseminate research results through technical presentations at conferences and high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and work closely with industry partners to deploy critical mineral and material production technologies at scale.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and lead research programs focused on novel chemical and/or electrochemical separations to improve critical materials production. Work closely with other chemists, geologists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists to apply developed methods to novel feedstocks and integrate with upstream/downstream processing methods.
• Actively pursue and secure funding by leading the development of proposals and industry partnerships.
• Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials chemistry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong interest and familiarity with chemical separations in the context of critical materials production.
• Depending on assignment, may be required to be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Field work includes working in remote locations within radioactive boundary areas (RBA), and overnight travel for extended field work. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This may be a testing designated position dependent on clearance needs; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.