The X-ray Science Division (XSD) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to fundamental study and applied development of selective solid ionic channel materials and systems for highly efficient transport, capture and separation of rare earth elements critical to renewable energy and national interests (DOE Basic Energy Science Research on Critical Materials: https://science.osti.gov/-/media/bes/pdf/Funding/2021/FY2021_CM_Awards.pdf ).
The selected candidate will work closely with scientists in the XSD Surface Scattering and Microdiffraction (SSM) Group to design and perform synchrotron-based in-situ/in-operando investigations utilizing X-ray surface scattering (e.g. X-ray reflectivity, crystal truncation rod & grazing incidence diffraction) and X-ray absorption/emission spectroscopy (e.g. XANES/EXAFS/XES) to elucidate the selective transport pathway of rare earth ions in solid ionic channels (e.g. MoS2 based two-dimensional few layers and stacked multilayers) at the Advanced Photon Source. The selected candidate will also work with scientists/faculties at Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at University of Chicago in the exploration of candidate electrodes for rare-earth-ion separation and Northwestern University in machine-learning guided predictive modeling for comprehensive and deep X-ray data analysis. This project will help to advance basic chemical and materials sciences that impacts the isolation of critical elements from natural and recycled resources to minimize supply risks and that provides the understanding for identification of substitutes to reduce or eliminate the need for critical elements without losing desired functionalities.
Position Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or related field within the last 3 years The ability to conduct independent research addressing fundamental or applied scientific questions Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent oral and written communication skills
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
The ability to design experiments and instrumentation in support thereof Significant experience with studying energy storage or energy conversion related materials or systems (e.g. battery, electrocatalysis, fuel cell etc.), and studying critical materials (e.g. rare-earth elements or platinum-group elements) Significant experience conducting synchrotron X-ray scattering and/or spectroscopy experiments Significant experience with either X-ray surface scattering, X-ray absorption or emission spectroscopy data analysis Knowledge of applied electrochemistry, battery and electrocatalytic electrode materials Familiarity with computer aided design software Familiarity with scientific programing languages such as Fortran, Igor, Matlab or Python etc.
Job Family
Postdoctoral Family
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
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