Position Description

The post-doctoral 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 in non-aqueous media. They will take a lead role in experiment design, sample preparation, data collection, analysis and planning for future work, as well as participate in the refinement of the unique Optical-Fiber Single-Shot (OFSS) detection system used for these experiments.

Knowledge of ultrafast processes that occur following radiolysis are critical for understanding product formation mechanisms and the ability to control and direct the ultimate impact 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, primarily in organic media, with extensions to ionic liquids where the timescales of relaxation dynamics can be manipulated at room temperature.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in experiment planning, execution, and translating the results into new scientific knowledge.
• Manuscript preparation.
• Contribute to the continuing improvement of OFSS transient absorption spectroscopy and related sample handling.
• 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.
• Experience designing, building, and/or modifying experimental apparatus, with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and ability to work in a diverse team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in radiation chemistry and/or ultrafast laser spectroscopy.
• Experience with experimental methods to study relaxation dynamics in condensed phases
• Experience with LabVIEW programming for instrumentation control.

Other Information

• Occasional travel to conferences to present results.

We invite you to consider Brookhaven National Laboratory for employment. To be considered for this position, please apply online at BNL Careers and enter “excess charges” into the Keyword Search.