Postdoctoral Appointee - Small Molecule Activation, Onsite

Job description

About Sandia: Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs: Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide Extraordinary co-workers Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world Career advancement and enrichment opportunities Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home) Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov These benefits vary by job classification. What Your Job Will Be Like: We are seeking a highly motivated POSTDOCTORAL APPOINTEE to develop advanced catalytic approaches for small molecule activation, focusing on novel metal hydride and organometallic catalysts that efficiently activate dinitrogen and dihydrogen bonds for ammonia and fuel synthesis. Research involves two primary themes: (1) the synthesis of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for small molecule activation (H2, N2, CO2), including thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic routes that convert these small molecules to fuels, and (2) the development of innovative ammonia chemical looping processes using metal hydrides and imides. This research is driven by the national need for durable, high-performance catalysts and materials capable of efficient and reliable operation under realistic industrial conditions, enabling cost-effective production of fuels and fertilizers. This research aims to enable rational design of inorganic and organometallic catalysts by changing the chemical composition and local atomic arrangements in crystalline or amorphous configurations. The focus is on understanding processes governing small molecule activation (thermally/electrochemically), effects of interfaces, as well as elucidating kinetic isotope effects. On any given day, you may be…