Post Doc Research Associate – Process Modeling and Analysis

OverviewOur expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.ResponsibilitiesPNNL’s Advanced Energy Systems Group (AES) is focused on applied research and development in the areas of chemical conversions, applied advanced materials, and the development of novel processes. The AES group is currently seeking a Post-Doctorate Research Associate in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to contribute to a broad base of research and development, including thermochemical and biochemical conversions of biomass to chemicals, fuels, and/or renewable energy products, waste recovery, feedstock logistics, and sustainable agriculture. Process models, economic evaluations and sustainability assessments are developed and used to make recommendations to PNNL projects, industrial partners, and the Department of Energy. The performance and economic models range from unit operations to full systems (e.g., conceptual commercial-scale flowsheets for chemical processes). SimaPro and OpenLCA are the primary commercial LCA tools used. Oral and written reporting of research results is expected with a focus toward publications in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.Additional responsibilities include the following:

Developing single unit or plant-scale designs for proposed commercial processes.

Quantifying economic and environmental metrics of performance from system designs and experimental data.

Interacting with PNNL staff to describe specific process and economic research goals, working collaboratively with other DOE national labs in supporting overall DOE programmatic goals.

Supporting projects or tasks, with the responsibility for designing, conducting, and reporting analysis results.

Preparing and presenting complex technical reports.

Working independently, taking initiative, and collaborating on team projects.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree in chemical engineering, or equivalent.

A strong fundamental understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, process design, heat and mass transfer, and chemical separations.

Familiarity with common practices in the oil and gas industry.

Experience in chemical process development and the associated economic analyses.

Expertise with Aspen Plus®, CHEMCAD, or an equivalent flowsheet modeling tool.

Expertise in life cycle analysis and working knowledge of relevant tools, such as OpenLCA, SimaPro, or GREET.

A demonstrated ability to effectively plan, perform, and communicate scientific research.

Excellent technical writing skills and a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.Additional InformationNot Applicable.About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

Once eligibility requirements are met.Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.Minimum SalaryUSD $69,000.00/Yr.Maximum SalaryUSD $119,100.00/Yr.