Postdoctoral Research Associate In Picosecond Radiation Chemistry

Position Description

The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for fundamental radiation chemistry experiments to elucidate the nature and reactivity of pre-solvated excess charges (holes and electrons) generated by radiolysis. Such ultrafast processes that occur following radiolysis are critical for determining product formation and understanding them is essential for controlling and directing the ultimate impacts of radiation. Pioneering work in our program established that, contrary to expectation, holes in organic media exhibit surprising ultrafast reactivity prior to solvation, much like that previously observed for electrons in several solvents. Mechanisms of pre-solvated electron reactivity are not yet well established, and those of pre-solvated holes are unexplored. The focus of this position is to expand our knowledge of these species and their reactivity in a broad range of non-aqueous media with diverse properties. The associate will take a lead role in experiment design, sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and planning for future work. Research will primarily utilize our group's 9 MeV, 10 ps, Laser Electron Accelerator Facility (LEAF) combined with the unique Optical-Fiber Single-Shot (OFSS) detection system, with opportunities to contribute to their further refinement. Occasional travel to conferences to present results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in experiment planning, execution, translation of results into new scientific knowledge, and identification of new directions.
• Manuscript preparation.
• Contribute to improvement of OFSS transient absorption spectroscopy and related sample handling as needed.
• Develop and maintain safe practices and working conditions.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Experience with wet chemistry techniques and sample characterization under inert conditions.
• Self-motivated and ability to work in a diverse team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Radiation chemistry, photochemistry or a related field.
• Experience using pulse radiolysis, and/or transient absorption spectroscopy.
• Kinetic modeling, thermodynamics, electron transfer.
• Familiarity with computational chemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in the laboratory.
• Experience designing, building, and/or modifying experimental apparatus.
• Ability to use and modify LabView data-acquisition programs.

BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past 5 years.