Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

For questions regarding pay or the status of your application, please contact Dr. Rachita Rana at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N): LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.