Post Doctorate RA - Peptoid Materials
The Opportunity: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to collaboration and work–life balance. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven postdocs come to PNNL to work on significant scientific challenges, innovate and achieve meaningful outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
Contribute to PNNL’s goals in Chemical and Materials Sciences as part of the Laboratory’s Physical Sciences Division (PSD). As a postdoctoral researcher in the Materials Sciences group, you will join a multi-investigator team to design sequence-defined peptoids for controlled self-assembly of biomimetic materials with hierarchical structures and/or directing the formation of inorganic (nano)crystals. You will be mentored by prominent researchers, as you develop a line of experimental research, working to address one of the grand challenges in materials synthesis: revealing factors that allow one to design and synthesize bio-inspired functional materials that rival those found in natural world.
The Ideal Candidate: If you are ready to test your talents and training and hone your skills at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you! PNNL is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; you do not need to meet all of the preferred qualifications to be considered.
What you will do:
- Design sequence-defined peptoids for controlled self-assembly of biomimetic materials with hierarchical structures and directing the formation of inorganic (nano)crystals.
- Characterize the structure of peptoid-based biomimetic materials using a range of experimental techniques, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).
- Lead manuscript development efforts for the peer-reviewed scientific literature..
- Interact, communicate, and develop experimental plans with a diverse team of scientists.
- Present research at group discussions, technical conferences, and project review meetings.
Selected publications related to this position:
- Programmable two-dimensional nanocrystals assembled from POSS-containing peptoids as efficient artificial light-harvesting systems. Science Advances 2021 , 7, eabg1448. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1448.
- Programming Amphiphilic Peptoid Oligomers for Hierarchical Assembly and Inorganic Crystallization. Acc. Chem. Res . 2021 . 54, 1, 81-91. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00533
About PNNL: At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications
(not all need to be met):
- Detailed knowledge of and hands-on experience with spectroscopic and microscopic materials characterization methods, such as AFM, TEM, SEM, and XRD.
- The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools based on research needs.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in the completion of tasks important to the projects. These include preparation of first drafts of papers for peer-reviewed journals, technical presentations at scientific conferences.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of collaborating with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff.
Education/Credential:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or related field
- Training and aptitude in materials synthesis and characterization
Equal Employment Opportunity
Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) 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 BMI staff must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. BMI is an E-Verify employer. Learn more at jobs.pnnl.gov.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via https://jobs.pnnl.gov/help.stm
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.