Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Engineer to conduct biomass preprocessing and characterization as it applies to gasification and other thermal conversion technologies. You will report to the Thermal Preprocessing manager. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The Postdoctoral Engineer will be involved in research and development activities associated with the development of new, characterized feedstocks for biofuels production using gasification. The biomaterials will include all types of aquatic and terrestrial materials (i.e., algae, woody, and herbaceous biomass) in addition to wet and dry waste streams. The research includes biomass preprocessing, preparation of samples, assisting in physical and chemical property experiments, fractionation and discrimination of biomass and waste components in MSW, and analysis of sample physical and chemical properties including solids characterization for functionality and gas holding capacity, especially those that have been thermally modified and/or functionalized.

Research will include feedstock sampling and profiling, plant morphology studies related to particle shape, particle size, bulk density, permeability and flowability. Research involves operation of all types of thermal treating and laboratory equipment, and the development and writing of new laboratory techniques and procedures for chemical and physical characterization of biomass materials. You will seek to establish new laboratory technique(s) and capability to screen feedstock gasification potential. You will help prepare and contribute to technical reports, publications, and presentations at national technical meetings and project reviews with program sponsors.

• You will support INL Biofuels and Renewable Energy leadership in meeting Department of Energy/Industry expectations, milestones, deliverables, and INL internal reporting metrics.

• This position must be or become familiar with, and comply with all relevant health and safety requirements, emergency action policies, procedures, methods for reporting/resolving work practices or conditions to available cognizant professionals, and performing all work in an environmentally safe and compliant manner.

Ideal applicants will demonstrate (1) proactive and flexible ways of working in a dynamic R&D environment, (2) willingness to seek opportunities to learn new skills, (3) a self-motivated work ethic, and (4) experience in the research topics identified above. This position may involve some work outside normal office hours and some travel.

• PhD requirements in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Electrochemical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplines must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.

• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).

• Experience with experiment planning, experiment execution including hands-on laboratory collection and interpretation of data, document preparation (reports, peer-review journal articles, and more.), preparation and presentation of results and interpretations to internal and external communities

• Experience in chemical or mechanical means to process, grind, size reduce, or condition waste materials or other feedstocks, such as MSW, biomass, construction debris, and more.

• Familiarity with techniques such as milling, grinding, and sieving are needed as well as knowledge in chemical and physical characterization using a variety of common instrumental techniques

• Experience developing materials processing and manufacturing technologies that deliver feedstocks with the consistent chemical and physical specifications required by downstream conversion
• Experience in assessment of waste and residual materials for gasification and experience modeling gasification processes

• Experience coupling science-based approaches with appropriate analytical tools to understand the mechanisms of material preprocessing and deconstruction

Job Information:

• Salary: $95,004.00 Annually

• You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.

• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

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

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 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

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. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 to request accommodation.

Other Information
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