Postdoctoral Researcher, Catalytic Oleochemistry and Process Scale-Up

Job overview

Postdoctoral Researcher, Catalytic Oleochemistry and Process Scale-Up is an onsite, full-time fixed-term postdoctoral role in Golden, CO, with a 40-hour workweek. Compensation is $76,600–$126,400 per year. The role is part of the Integrated Carbon Conversion Processes Group within the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center at the National Laboratory of the Rockies. The researcher develops and scales processes that convert emerging plant oils into performance-advantaged chemicals and materials. The work connects fundamental catalytic science with process development and applied research, advancing promising chemistries from bench-scale discovery toward integrated process development and pilot-scale validation.

What you'll do

• Develop lipid pretreatment strategies
• optimize catalytic processes for lipids, fatty acids, and related intermediates
• design and evaluate catalytic pathways from bench to pilot scale
• develop product formulations and structure-property relationships
• generate kinetic, mass-balance, and process-performance data
• establish critical material attributes and process parameters
• communicate results through reports, publications, presentations, invention disclosures, and project reviews.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

postdoctoral researcher

catalytic oleochemistry

process scale-up

golden co

national laboratory of the rockies

biomass conversion

catalysis

plant oils

chemical products

pilot-scale validation

process development

recent phd required

fixed-term postdoc

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• short-term disability
• pension benefits
• 403(b) savings plan with employer match
• life and AD&D insurance
• PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays. Some positions may be eligible for relocation reimbursement.

Why this role

Requires a recent PhD graduate within the last three years in chemical engineering, biological systems engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a relevant field; background in biorefinery and biomass conversion is required.

About the employer

National Laboratory of the Rockies is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.