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Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

The postdoc is also expected to write research papers, present research at meetings, contribute to ... Experiences with catalysis (biological, homogeneous, or heterogeneous), excited-state simulation ...

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Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do heterogeneous catalysis postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for heterogeneous catalysis postdoctoral in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral researcher?

A Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral researcher is a scientist who has recently completed their PhD and is conducting advanced research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, where catalysts and reactants are in different phases (typically solid catalysts with liquid or gas reactants). Their work often involves designing new catalysts, studying catalytic mechanisms, and improving catalyst efficiency for industrial or environmental applications. Postdocs in this area work in academic, national laboratory, or industrial settings, collaborating with other scientists and publishing their findings.

What are some typical challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in heterogeneous catalysis, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in heterogeneous catalysis often encounter challenges such as optimizing catalyst performance, scaling up reactions from lab to pilot scale, and troubleshooting issues with reproducibility. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including chemists, materials scientists, and engineers—is essential for overcoming these hurdles. Regular communication, access to advanced characterization tools, and staying updated with current literature can help address these challenges and drive successful research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral researcher, and why are they important?

A successful Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral researcher typically holds a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, with strong expertise in catalysis, materials characterization, and reaction mechanisms. Familiarity with advanced analytical instruments (such as TEM, XPS, or GC-MS), computational modeling tools, and laboratory safety protocols is highly valued. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong scientific communication skills help researchers design experiments and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable impactful research outcomes, innovation, and advancement in catalytic science.
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What cities are hiring for Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral jobs? Cities with the most Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral job openings:
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Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heterogeneous Catalysis Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researcher - Heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and plastics recycling

Postdoctoral Researcher - Heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and plastics recycling

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Golden, CO • On-site

$76K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Posting Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and plastics recycling
Location
CO - Golden
Position Type
Postdoc (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week
40
Working at NLR
NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.
Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.
At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.
Job Description
The RRES Center at NLR has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher within the Chemical Catalysis and Reaction Engineering group. Our group is conducting research to enable cost-effective processes for biomass and waste feedstock conversion and chemical recycling of waste plastics. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years.
The successful candidate will work on projects focused on research and development of heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of multiple feedstocks, including bio-derived substrates and plastics into value-added target products. Key to this position is a fundamentally driven ability to design new heterogeneous catalysts and use spectroscopic characterization tools to be able to understand how they function. The ideal candidate will also have experience in flow chemistry. Interested candidates should read the following papers:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926337324012669
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41570-025-00765-9
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-024-02024-6
The successful candidate will be able to:
• Design, characterize, and evaluate heterogeneous catalysts using authentic bio- and waste-derived feedstocks
• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Learn new techniques and protocols
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats
• Author peer-reviewed publications, and
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and chemists.
Basic Qualifications
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
• Experience in heterogeneous catalysis design and characterization
• Ability to conduct reactions in continuous flow reactors
• Familiarity with mass transfer effects in reacting systems
• Experience with heterogeneous catalysis characterization methods (e.g., TPD/TPR, XRD, BET, Raman spectroscopy)
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines
• Strong record of quality peer-reviewed publications
• Strong safety record and ability to follow complex standard operating procedures
Preferred Qualifications
• Familiarity with relevant analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy)
• Experience with bio-derived or waste-derived authentic feedstocks
• Experience with continuous stirred tank reactors
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400
NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.

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