Post Doc Researcher

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Basic Function

Post Doctoral Scholar in the field of chemical and physical transformations in host-guest systems under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature. This is a university position, but the prospective recipient will be working at the Earth and Planets (former Geophysical) Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington using its high-pressure facilities. The responsibilities of this position are primarily focused on experimental investigations of host-guest molecular and atomic systems either consisting of water cages (guest) hosting various molecules and atoms or cocrystals at extreme pressure-temperature conditions. The experiments will involve X-ray synchrotron and Free-Electron Laser diffraction as well as Raman and optical spectroscopy. Pulsed and continuously laser heated diamond anvil cell techniques will be used in combination with time-resolved spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction to monitor chemical reactions at unattainable previously range of pressures and temperatures. Dr. Alexander Goncharov, Earth and Planets Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, e-mail: [email protected].

Supervisory Authority

none

Nature And Scope

We will focus on the most central chemical and physical transformations at such extreme conditions, uncovering their nature and connections with the most principal physical properties and emergent phenomena, which allow to control their functionality in the conditions relevant to scientific missions. As a result, we will develop better understanding of chemical processes of materials under extremes, which would allow to make recommendation for their use and optimization of their properties for specific applications.

Principal Accountabilities

• The proposal will address the most fundamental questions regarding chemical and physical response of materials (e.g., molecular crystals and host-guest systems) to extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature.

Core Competencies

• Strong written and organizational skills
• Strong oral presentation skills
• Strong research skills using high-pressure studies of materials.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in Geosciences, Chemistry, Physics, Optics, Materials Science or a related field as well as experience in some or all of the following areas: diamond anvil cell techniques, optical spectroscopy and synchrotron x-ray techniques. A good working knowledge of computer programming for physical experiments (python, labview, matlab) is essential. The ability to work well as a team member and independently is a must; good organizational skills and good verbal and written communication skills are also required.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

42,000-52,000