**To be formally considered, all applicants must apply via the ORNL Careers Page at http://www.ornl.gov/careers**

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the US Department of Energy's largest multi-program science and energy laboratory, with scientific and technical capabilities spanning the continuum from basic to applied research. Located in the city of Oak Ridge, ORNL is in the eastern part of Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.  

PURPOSE
The Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Chemical Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an early career organic chemist with a strong background in organic synthesis to perform research in the design, synthesis and characterization of organic ligands for separations, polymers for energy storage, and other materials in support of energy research. Initially, the primary focus will be on the synthesis and evaluation of ligands attached to polymer adsorbents and ionomers attached to polymer membranes. The correlation between chemical structure and the performance will be developed and optimized. The program will have a strong collaborative component with computational scientists and other scientists.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design, synthesis and characterization of task-specific ligands for separations and polymer membranes for energy storage.
• Evaluate the performance of adsorbents and membranes.
• Collaborate with ORNL postdocs and staff who are involved in the synthesis and characterization of adsorbent and energy storage materials and train new postdocs and student in synthetic methodologies
• Independently formulate reseach strategies and collaborate with computational chemist and experimentalist to guide the design of new materials
• Participate in the development of new research directions and proposals for funding.
• Present and report research results at scientific meetings and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:
• A PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Separations Science, or a closely-related field with a minimum of two years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
• A strong background in organic and polymer synthesis and the design of new synthetic approaches to functional materials
• Expertise in characterization by the standard tools including multi-nuclear NMR, FTIR, mass spectrometry, etc.
• Expertise in standard purification methods including chromatography, distillation, recrystallization, etc.
• Expertise in separations
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team of diverse scientists
• An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated and safety conscious
• Able to set priorities, multi-task, and adapt as the needs change.

OUR BENEFITS:

Excellence in performance of the Laboratory requires excellence in the performance of our employees. ORNL recognizes this by offering competitive pay and benefits programs designed to attract and retain people who share our commitment to excellence. The Lab offers a multitude of employee benefits, including flexible work hours and wellness programs to help you and your family achieve a happy, healthy lifestyle.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, and leave
• Educational assistance
• Flexible working hours
• Employee wellness programs and onsite fitness centers
• Relocation assistance
• Much more

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

**To be formally considered, all applicants must apply via the ORNL Careers Page at https://www.ornl.gov/ornl/careers**