Post Doctorate Research Associate - Chemical Physics in Experimental X-Ray Scattering
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Menlo Park, California · Posting: PNL-12185 · Type: TEMPORARY · Pay: $69,000-$119,100/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation's most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security. Responsibilities Contribute to PNNL’s goals as part of the Lab’s Physical Sciences Division (PSD). Through fundamental research supported by DOE Basic Energy Sciences, we seek to understand the fundamental interactions, reactivity, and dynamics of ions in solutions, that are relevant for a multitude of energy and biological processes. The proposed research effort focuses on developing and utilizing advanced X-ray scattering methods, in particular X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), to probe with atomic scale resolution the equilibrium and non-equilibrium atomic structure of complex ionic solutions and solvated molecular complexes. These experiments will be strongly coupled with state-of-the art theoretical efforts for the interpretation and modelling of the data. As a postdoctoral researcher based in the experimental Physical Chemistry group, you will investigate challenging molecular-scale science questions, including ion-solvent and ion-ion interactions and dynamics, the mechanisms of charge and proton transfer in molecules, and the spontaneous collective fluctuations that drive chemical reactivity in liquids. You will conduct split-pulse XPCS and related experiments using the LCLS X-ray Free Electron laser (XFEL) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and related XFELs and synchrotron facilities around the world. You will be mentored and collaborate with other senior investigators in a multi-institutional team, including researchers at PNNL, and SLAC. This position is based at SLAC (Menlo Park, CA). What you will do: Propose, lead, and participate in X-ray experiments at large-scale X-ray light source facilities to investigate the structure and dynamics of ionic solutions. Perform extensive analysis of complex datasets, including learning and developing the computational tools and analysis codes necessary to extract structural and dynamical information from X-ray scattering experiments. Interpret experimental data through comparison with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations, in close collaboration with members of the theory team. Work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively to collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects. Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Become an integral member of PNNL and SLAC fundamental chemical physics research teams, taking advantage of world-class expertise and capabilities to advance your research. Interact, communicate, and problem-solve with researchers across the multi-institutional collaboration. Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and project/program review meetings. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field. Experience with XPCS or X-ray scattering methods at synchrotrons or XFELs and/or experience with tabletop ultrafast spectroscopy methods. Strong ability to analyze complex datasets and develop appropriate models, working closely with theorists; familiarity with coding languages such as Python and/or Julia. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative, identify new research opportunities, and independently develop solutions to challenging scientific problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists across multiple institutions. Ability to travel from SLAC to PNNL for regular meetings with PNNL researchers, and to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Standard laboratory hazards. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field. Experience with XPCS or X-ray scattering methods at synchrotrons or XFELs and/or experience with tabletop ultrafast spectroscopy methods. Strong ability to analyze complex datasets and develop appropriate models, working closely with theorists; familiarity with coding languages such as Python and/or Julia. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative, identify new research opportunities, and independently develop solutions to challenging scientific problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists across multiple institutions. Ability to travel from SLAC to PNNL for regular meetings with PNNL researchers, and to synchrotron and XFEL facilities around the world to perform experiments.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $69,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $119,100.00/Yr.