Biomass Processing Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in chemical, mechanical, or agricultural engineering, materials science, chemistry, or related fields for the Bioenergy Feedstock Technologies Department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of the Energy Systems Laboratory in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off. The postdoc will provide hands-on experimental support across closely related efforts, such as:

• Investigating mechanically, thermally, and chemically assisted preprocessing of crops at a range of intensities, and quantifying the effects on size-reduction energy, particle size and shape, ash and inorganic content, and composition.
• Studying the drying, heating, and carbonization behavior of biomass and blended feedstocks, including how moisture removal, heat-up dynamics, and mass loss govern the formation and properties of chars.

The candidate will work alongside staff engineers and scientists in a multi-laboratory research environment, with exposure to pilot-scale preprocessing equipment. The role also offers opportunities to develop independent research ideas and gain experience in proposal development and funding pursuit. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a laboratory and light-industrial setting, is organized and careful with data and sample tracking, and communicates effectively. Candidates should have hands-on experience with thermal processing, wet-chemistry sample preparation, and/or standard analytical characterization methods. The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers. The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in chemical, mechanical, agricultural, or materials engineering, chemistry, or comparable disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands-on experience with thermochemical processing (e.g., torrefaction, pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, biochar production) of biomass or other waste feedstocks, including operation of bench-scale furnaces, tube or batch reactors, or thermogravimetric systems is preferred.
• Experience with chemical pretreatment or leaching of solid materials (e.g., alkaline/caustic, acid, or water washing) and the associated solid-liquid separation, rinsing, filtration, and drying steps.
• Familiarity with drying and heat-transfer behavior of porous or granular solids, including moisture determination and interpreting heating and mass-loss curves.
• Familiarity with carbon-based materials such as biochar and graphite.
• Experience with mechanical processing and physical characterization of particulate materials: milling or grinding, sieving and size fractionation, particle size and shape analysis, bulk density, and moisture content.
• Experience with design of experiments, careful laboratory record-keeping, and basic data analysis, statistics, and visualization (Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar)

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

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 at ada@inl.gov to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.