Chemist 4 - Homogeneous Catalysis

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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a dynamic, independent staff scientist to lead groundbreaking research in homogeneous catalysis for utilization of carbon and energy resources. The interdisciplinary research focuses on developing next-generation catalysts that integrate mechanistically informed design and operando spectroscopic characterization. Our approach bridges insights from homogeneous catalysis, surface science, heterogeneous catalysis, and computational modeling to address the challenges of efficiently storing and retrieving energy in chemical bonds and utilizing multiple carbon sources. You will be expected to establish independent research and collaborate with a group of experts in catalysis and computational chemistry. As a staff scientist in PNNL’s Physical Sciences Division (PSD), you will enter a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment for cutting-edge research in materials science, surface science, and physical chemistry.

The Ideal Candidate

You will join a multi-investigator team working across the catalysis disciplines, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, and computational chemistry. We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic about driving innovative research directions and fostering collaborations across disciplines. This individual possesses excellent communication and leadership skills, enabling them to work effectively within a team setting and contribute to shared scientific goals. They are proactive in identifying new research trends, adaptable to evolving project needs, and committed to advancing the program’s objectives through both independent and collaborative efforts. We strongly encourage all qualified applicants to apply, as you do not need to meet every preferred qualification to be considered.

• Investigate novel catalytic chemistries that allow efficient utilization of various carbon sources
• Develop and implement innovative strategies for designing and synthesizing homogeneous catalysts with a focus on precise control of active sites
• Utilize operando spectroscopic methods to develop fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms
• Collaborate with both theoretical and experimental teams to establish structure-activity relationships and refine catalytic models
• Lead proposal development, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings at scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals
• Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment
• Cultivate a strong safety culture, implement chemical safety protocols, and conduct risk assessments in a laboratory setting

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized expertise in the field of homogeneous catalysis, evidenced by a strong portfolio of published research and presentations at conferences
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative research, showcasing the ability to effectively contribute to joint projects that advance scientific understanding and innovation
• Track record of writing successful research proposals and mentoring early-career researchers
• Prior experience with DOE Office of Science as a research sponsor
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects in both thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis
• Experience with or strong potential to learn data-driven modeling approaches, including AI/ML techniques applied to catalysis

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Additional Information

Not applicable

“Referral Eligible”

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 considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 ... .

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

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes 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)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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.

Minimum Salary

USD $135,600.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $203,500.00/Yr.