Computational Chemist Postdoc

Berkeley Lab - California - The Liquid Sunlight Alliance (LiSA) has the mission of converting CO2 into liquid fuels using sunlight as the only source of energy. LiSA's approach is co-design systems of microenvironments for (photo)electrocatalysis, which can convert solar energy into chemical energy with good selectivity, durability and efficiency. The time-dependent chemical state of this water and its solutes in the catalytic region, and how their reactivity influences catalysis and corrosion, are not well-characterized in (photo)catalytic systems. The development of predictive models for water chemistry will be an important element in the co-design process. LiSA currently has a Chemist Postdoctoral research opportunity to assist with these studies. The selected candidate will design detailed multiscale reaction-diffusion kinetic models describing the processes of water ion formation and recombination, particularly in small water pools where pH is not defined, and interactions of these ions with the surrounding environments. S/he will perform stochastic simulations that capture the influences of rare and sporadic events in the liquid phase and at interfaces on both rapid and slow transformations, and are compared to experimental measurements. In LiSA's highly collaborative environment, s/he will work closely with theorists and experimentalists to ensure that the models are predictive for local acidity/basicity in nanoscale spaces, and correctly describe how water ions participate in catalytic chemistry, corrosion, and catalyst remodeling in use. What You Will Do: Design detailed multiscale reaction-diffusion kinetic models describing the processes of water dissociation into ions, ion migration, and chemical reactions using theoretical data from collaborators and the literature. Perform calculations, and validate the results using data from experimental measurements. Work closely with other researchers inside and outside of LiSA who are performing measurements and theoretical studies to ensure that the models are predictive and useful for the understanding of water in microenvironments. Work with fully functional object-oriented codes that are in place, utilizing the methodology and developing new modeling techniques to obtain complete descriptions of nanoscale aqueous systems. Make recommendations for added code capabilities if required. What is Required: Ph.D. (within the past 0-1 years) in chemistry, physics, materials science or chemical engineering, theory or experiment, with a strong background in kinetics studies of chemical and physical transformations Expertise in physical chemistry of liquid phase and interfacial systems Experience with reaction-diffusion model development, preferably closely coupled to experimental studies Proven ability to conduct independent research with scientific judgment and initiative Excellent teamwork, organizational and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to prepare results for oral reports and for publication in archival journals Familiarity with the state of the art in (photo)electrochemical systems including experimental methods Analysis and visualization skills relevant to complex datasets Notes: This is a full-time one year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 1 year of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law." Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.... - Permanent - Full-time

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