Postdoctoral Researcher

6 days ago


Golden, Colorado, United States National Renewable Energy Lab Full time
Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher

Join the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Building Thermal Energy Sciences group. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to support and lead work relating to decarbonization of structural materials with a special focus on replacing cement in concrete.

About the Position:

This postdoctoral research position is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge laboratory and analytical projects to synthesize, develop, characterize, and optimize sustainable materials for buildings and infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a team of experts in chemistry, physics, and materials science to develop new research in lignin-based sustainable building materials that are an effective alternative to concrete.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform chemical modifications and characterization of lignin to form high-strength materials.
  • Characterize the chemical and thermal properties of these materials using tools like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
  • Characterize the mechanical and application-dependent properties using tools like dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile testing, 3-point bending testing, freeze-thaw testing, accelerated UV/heat/moisture aging tests, and compression strength testing.
  • Scale up synthesis and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
  • Assist in project management, including writing reports, journal articles, and presentations for program review or conferences.
  • Assist in lifecycle analysis (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA).
Requirements:
  • Recent PhD graduate within the last three years in Chemistry, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong background in polymer synthesis, lignin chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and/or a related field.
  • Experience in experimental work synthesizing lignin and/or polymer networks and completing their characterization.
  • Demonstrated research capability and creativity to solve challenging problems, as well as the ability to work well in a team.
  • Experience with concrete characterization tools (e.g. freeze-thaw chambers, rheometers).
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to document the research in the form of technical reports, journal articles, and presentations.
Benefits:

NREL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 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.

How to Apply:

Please submit an application form for this position, including a cover letter and resume. NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.



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