Postdoctoral position as Chemist


Highlights:

1. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is providing solutions to scientific problems! Are you someone who can make a difference on our team?

2. We are currently seeking a Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow to join our Environmental Energy Technologies Division.

3. The Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow will direct and carry out fundamental spectroscopic and electrochemical research in the area of electrocatalysis, catalysis and nanoscience.

4. The person in this role will also characterize nano-structured electrodes and membranes from materials used in fuel cells, prepare research manuscripts, proposals and reports, assure smooth operation of the spectro-electrochemical laboratories within the building.

5. The Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow will:

a. • Develop and apply modern advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques and methodologies for the characterization, modification and control of electrode-electrolyte interfaces characteristic for PEM fuel cell systems.

b. • Perform in situ characterization methods such as, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, near-field microscopy and spectroscopy, ellipsometry, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and electrochemical techniques for fundamental characterization of electrode/electrolyte interfaces and associated electrochemical processes.

c. • Combine surface characterization techniques into complex multiprobe systems to study the mechanism and kinetic properties of interfacial phenomena at micrometer or nanometer spatial resolution.

d. • Design and perform in situ and ex situ experiments with model thin-film nano-structured electrodes, develop methodologies for preparation of samples for basic spectroscopy and microscopy investigations.

e. • Carry out full analysis of experimental data. This includes applying computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data and characterize composite electrocatalysts.

f. • Develop innovative experimental approaches and analytical methodologies for the treatment of experimental data.

g. • Collaborate in the development of research proposals and new scientific initiatives.

h. • Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.

i. • Carry out collaborative research with LBNL scientists, research associates, post-doctoral fellows and students; participate in frequent meetings and discussions.

j. • Prepare materials for submissions and presentation to DOE and other agencies, as needed.

k. • Participate in and present results at selected meetings, workshops and seminars, as needed.

l. • Pursue professional academic society activities, as needed.

m. Qualifications:

• Recent Ph.D in the chemical or material sciences and demonstrated excellent level or proficiency in the application of surface characterization techniques to study electrochemical phenomena.

• Extensive experience in the use of surface spectroscopy and microscopy, near-field techniques, image processing, data simulation, modeling and numerical analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic data.

• Strong expertise and experience in experimental electrochemistry.

• The ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.

• Ability to participate in collaborative efforts as a member of a diverse research team.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Knowledge of electrochemistry of PEM fuel cell systems is desired.

• Familiarity with contemporary scientific issues in the field of energy conversion and storage is preferred.

• Ability to prepare materials for presentation at meetings and workshops, preferred.

• Proven organizational skills is preferred.

• Ability to work as a part of a team is preferred.

6. Notes

This is a full-time, one year appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon performance, business needs and continuation of funding.

7. Apply directly online and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process. As part of the online application process, please submit a single attachment that includes both your resume or CV and a statement of your research interests. Please be sure to reference where you found out about the position.

8. Berkeley Lab is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce.

9. Closing date: 12 April 2010

Post doc position in heterogeneous catalysis

Highlights:

1. The project involves work on the oxidation (or oxidative dehydrogenation) of medium to long chain linear paraffins (C6, C8) to higher value products.

2. The work involves collaboration between us, at UKZN, SASOL, Johnson-Matthey and the catalysis group in Cardiff (UK).

3. The post is based in Durban, but the successful candidate will probably also spend some time in Cardiff working with Prof. Graham Hutchings.

4. The candidate should, ideally, be familiar with:

catalyst synthesis

operating (and possibly constructing) fixed-bed reactors

mass and carbon balances

most standard characterization techniques for heterogeneous catalysts, such as IR, BET, PXRD, TPR, TPO, TPD etc.

the operation of g.c.’s

Advantages would be experience in oxidation catalysis, in-situ powder XRD and MAS (solid state) NMR (the latter two are available in house).

Candidates with experience in oxidation chemistry in high pressure reactors (autoclaves) will also be considered.

The candidate should have completed their doctoral degree.

5. To apply: Applicants should email their cv, together with a short application letter/email to Professor H Friedrich: friedric@ukzn.ac.za

6. The University of KwaZulu-Natal is a top 500 university and one of the top five research universities in South Africa.

7. The School of Chemistry is very well equipped, as a scan of its homepage (www.ukzn.ac.za/chemistry/)will reveal, and has a strong, and growing, research profile.
8. Closing Date 19th March 2010

Recent Post

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner