Research Assoc-Experimental, [Photon Science, Catalysis]

Job ID

6266

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and a national user facility, seeks a Research Associate with interests in utilizing photon science techniques to characterize catalysts used in polymer deconstruction and hydrocarbon conversion processes. The successful candidate is expected to design and conduct state-of-the-art characterization of polymer deconstruction catalysts using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in correspondence with the Characterization and Deconstruction tasks of The Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE¿) consortium. Additionally the candidate will be expected to conduct polymer deconstruction reactions in the laboratory and aid all member of the BOTTLE team in their beamtimes.

In this position, you will work collaboratively with the diverse workforce at SSRL, SLAC and of the BOTTLE¿ consortium. You will have the opportunity to publish joint-author manuscripts.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Perform in-situ and operando XAS for active site characterization of polyolefin hydrocracking catalysts.

• Develop methodology for operation and data analysis of in-situ active site characterization using FTIR, prepare standard operation procedures.

• Work collaboratively with BOTTLE¿ user groups, assist in planning experiments, help with conducting experiments, and provide guidance on data analysis.

• Develop methodology for performing polymer deconstruction processes at lab scale using realistic feedstock and cost-effective catalysts, prepare standard operation procedures.

• Train and mentor interns, grad students and postdocs towards performing catalyst characterization and polymer deconstruction experiments.

Note : The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 2-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide evidence of a PhD degree. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement of research area including brief summary of accomplishments and a curriculum vitae. Supplying letters of recommendation or names to contact for reference with the application is also useful.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA. Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. degree in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, chemical engineering, or related fields.

• Minimum 2 years¿ of postdoc experience in heterogeneous catalysis.

• Experience with all aspects of synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a must, including setup design, data collection and data analysis; demonstrated ability in modeling of XAFS data using Athena/Artemis is a plus.

• A solid background in materials/catalyst characterization and experience with in-situ cell design and development strongly preferred.

• Experience with designing and operating high temperature & pressure flow and batch reactor systems is preferred,

• Experience with quantitative techniques such as gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy is preferred,

• Willingness to learn and bridge knowledge/experience gaps.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population; good interpersonal skills are essential. Ability to convey science to public is a plus.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/ esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/

• Classification Title: Research Assoc-Experimental

• Grade: G, Job code: 0127

• Employment Duration: Fixed term ¿ 2 years

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.