Postdoctoral Researcher

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field
• Prior experience with synchrotron-based X-ray techniques, particularly X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS: XANES/EXAFS)
• Background in electrocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, or electrochemical systems
• Experience with operando or in situ characterization techniques such as IR and Raman
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Experience with electrochemical reactor design or PSE systems
• Familiarity with CO₂ reduction, CO electrolysis, or C-C coupling chemistry
• Experience with IR or Raman spectroscopy in catalytic systems
• Knowledge of data-driven methods
• Prior experience conducting experiments at synchrotron facilities
• Additional Job Description:
• Special Instructions:
• The postdoc will work closely with LSU faculty and will be embedded within the research environment at Argonne National Laboratory
• This position offers:
• Access to state-of-the-art electrochemical and materials facilities at ANL
• Opportunities to work at leading synchrotron user facilities
• A highly interdisciplinary collaboration spanning catalysis, spectroscopy, and energy systems
• Applicants should submit:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter outlining research experience and interest in the position
• Brief research statement (1-2 pages)
• Contact information for 3 references
• Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
• A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
• Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
• For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
• For questions regarding pay or the status of your application, please contact Dr. Rachita Rana at Rachita.Rana@lsu.edu.
• Skills Needed:
• Preferred Skills:
• Posting Date:
• June 16, 2026
• Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
• October 14, 2026
• Additional Position Information:
• Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
• Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition ex

Benefits

Additional Information

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Position Type: Other Academic Department: LSUAM ORED - STEM - National Lab Initiative - Argonne Electrocatalysis (Rachita Rana (00274000)) Work Location: Argonne National Laboratory Pay Grade: Other Academic Job Description: The Rachita Rana and john Flake Labs at LSU in collaboration with the Christopher Arges Lab at Argonne National Laboratory are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a 2-year appointment to work on a joint LSU-ANL project focused on converting methane to acetic acid. This work integrates, electrocatalysis and electrochemical engineering, operando spectroscopy (XAS, IR, Raman), process intensification as it integrates reactor design with separation units, and materials synthesis and characterization. The postdoc will be primarily based at Argonne National Laboratory, alongside active reporting/visits and engagement with LSU research teams. Job Responsibilities: Research (80%) -Design and conduct electrocatalytic experiments for CO/CO₂ reduction. - Integrate multiple unit operations in series: methane reformer, hydrogen pump, and CO/CO2 electrolyzer. - Develop and implement porous solid electrolytes (PSE) into reactor-separator systems - Lead operando/in situ spectroscopy studies, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), Infrared (IR/DRIFTS, ATR-IR), and Raman spectroscopy - Plan and execute synchrotron-based experiments at CAMD and APS - Perform advanced XAS data analysis (including EXAFS fitting and modeling) - Integrate spectroscopy with reaction kinetics and product analysis (GC, MS, HPLC, IC) Collaboration (10%) - Collaborate closely across ANL and LSU teams Publication (10%) - Write reports to project sponsor, publish results in high-impact journals, and give presentations in conferences

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