What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Idaho National Laboratory?
Does a career focused on changing the world's energy future intrigue you? If so, we might have just the opportunity you're looking for! Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work within the Catalysis and Transient Kinetics group. The candidate will be primarily a hands-on, laboratory-based researcher with responsibilities that include running experiments, interpreting results, and writing/publishing scientific papers.
Specifically, the candidate will perform science research at the laboratory scale in the area of heterogeneous catalysis. Methanol synthesis is a primary focus, but other reactions may also apply. Experience with the use of laboratory scale catalyst characterization techniques, and the interpretation of that data, is highly desired along with a demonstrated publication record. Examples of conventional experiments the researcher will utilize are reaction characterization in a plug flow reactor, chemisorption, BET, thermogravimetric analysis, and mass spectrometry. While not required, experience with FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis, and operando spectroscopy will be valuable.
Responsibilities Include
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.
Benefits and Relocation
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 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.
Primary Location
US-ID-Idaho Falls
Job
Postdoc
Organization
Energy & Environment Science & Technology (Bxxx)
Schedule
Full-time
Employee Status
Regular
Job Posting
Jan 27, 2026, 9:57:24 AM
Unposting Date
Feb 11, 2026, 12:59:00 AM
RELOCATION
Position Relocation Eligible
TELEWORK
On-Site Worker
Specifically, the candidate will perform science research at the laboratory scale in the area of heterogeneous catalysis. Methanol synthesis is a primary focus, but other reactions may also apply. Experience with the use of laboratory scale catalyst characterization techniques, and the interpretation of that data, is highly desired along with a demonstrated publication record. Examples of conventional experiments the researcher will utilize are reaction characterization in a plug flow reactor, chemisorption, BET, thermogravimetric analysis, and mass spectrometry. While not required, experience with FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis, and operando spectroscopy will be valuable.
Responsibilities Include
- Catalyst characterization using both conventional and advanced transient kinetic techniques, data analysis, and data interpretation at the direction of the INL mentor.
- You will be expected to learn new experimental techniques and data analysis methods that are unique to the Catalysis and Transient Kinetics group; in particular the Temporal Analysis of Products reactor.
- You must demonstrate the ability to identify and address complex problems creatively and independently.
- At the same time you will be working in collaboration with other researchers to develop new concepts and technologies and must be able to function as part of a larger team.
- PhD in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. Requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
- Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).
- Developing publication records in the area of heterogeneous catalysis.
- Experience in coding and computational modeling would be viewed as an advantage in the collaborative environment of the group.
- The pay range for this position is $101,196.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
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.
Benefits and Relocation
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Ability to access and self contribute to a 401(k)
- 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 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 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.
Primary Location
US-ID-Idaho Falls
Job
Postdoc
Organization
Energy & Environment Science & Technology (Bxxx)
Schedule
Full-time
Employee Status
Regular
Job Posting
Jan 27, 2026, 9:57:24 AM
Unposting Date
Feb 11, 2026, 12:59:00 AM
RELOCATION
Position Relocation Eligible
TELEWORK
On-Site Worker
Salary : $101,196