The Chemical Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) offers a unique postdoctoral opportunity to develop and employ innovative experimental approaches for understanding solution and gas-phase chemistry of actinide metal ions, complexes, and nanostructures. The postdoc will carry out fundamental research in actinide science, and report results as peer-reviewed scientific publications and at scientific conferences.

An atmospheric pressure ionization ion trap mass spectrometer in the Glenn T. Seaborg Center at Berkeley Lab is employed to examine fundamental aspects of solution speciation and gas-phase chemistry of inorganic and organometallic ions; the emphasis is on the 5f actinide elements from thorium through curium.  This position presents an opportunity for a central role in novel studies of the synthetic transuranium elements Np, Pu, Am and Cm.  The fundamental research is carried out in close collaboration with theoreticians to interpret complex experimental results.

Electrospray ionization (ESI) and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) are used to generate elementary and complex ions from solutions and solids.  Trapped ion mass spectrometry studies include ion-molecule reactions and collision induced dissociation.  An emphasis is on illuminating fundamental aspects of actinide science, and using gas-phase techniques to enhance understanding of condensed phase actinide chemistry.

Qualifications:

• Well qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Experience in handling radionuclides, particularly actinides, and glove-box operations
• Experience in the development and application of non-routine mass spectrometric techniques for generating, manipulating, and characterizing gas-phase ion
• Background in inorganic/organometallic mass spectrometry, ESI-MS, MALDI-MS, DFT, and/or solution chemistry

In addition to at least one of the above, the following are required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline, with no more than 3 years previous postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment and achievement documented by scientific publications and presentations
• Evidence of ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and effectively communicate with colleagues and peers within a diverse research team
  

Note: This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal for up to 2 years based upon satisfactory performance, continuing availability of funds, and on-going operational needs.

About Us
The Actinide Chemistry Group of the Glenn T. Seaborg Center studies the physics and chemistry of the actinides. [See http://actinide.lbl.gov/gtsc.]

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California. It conducts multidisciplinary research with key efforts in fundamental studies of the universe, physics, bioscience, nanoscience, clean energy, energy efficiency, the environment, and the use of computing as a tool for discovery. 11 Nobel laureates are associated with Berkeley Lab, which is managed by the University of California. Learn more at http://www.youtube.com/berkeleylab.

Berkeley Lab is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to the development of a safe and diverse workforce.

To apply: http://jobs.lbl.gov/LBNLCareers/details.asp?jid=23540&p=1sid=2106

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California. It conducts multidisciplinary research with key efforts in fundamental studies of the universe, physics, bioscience, nanoscience, clean energy, energy efficiency, the environment, and the use of computing as a tool for discovery. Eleven Nobel laureates are associated with Berkeley Lab, which is managed by the University of California.

You can also visit us at http://www.youtube.com/berkeleylab.

Berkeley Lab is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce.