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Catalysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the role We are hiring a Catalysis Scientist to anchor the lab-bench side of an industrial catalyst-discovery program in heterogeneous catalysis for renewable fuels. You will own catalyst ...

Catalysis Scientist

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

About the role We are hiring a Catalysis Scientist to anchor the lab-bench side of an industrial catalyst-discovery program in heterogeneous catalysis for renewable fuels. You will own catalyst ...

The Global Catalysis organization discovers and develops both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic solutions to enable Braskem strategic goals in the areas of bio-based chemicals, specialty ...

The Global Catalysis organization discovers and develops both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic solutions to enable Braskem strategic goals in the areas of bio-based chemicals, specialty ...

The Global Catalysis organization discovers and develops both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic solutions to enable Braskem strategic goals in the areas of bio-based chemicals, specialty ...

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catalysis information

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$63.5K

$154.8K

$251K

How much do catalysis jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalysis in the United States is $154,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $184,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catalysis?

A catalysis job involves researching, developing, and optimizing chemical reactions that use catalysts to enhance efficiency and selectivity. Professionals in this field work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental science to improve processes like fuel production or emission reduction. Responsibilities may include catalyst design, reaction mechanism analysis, and process optimization. Scientists and engineers in this role often work in laboratories, using analytical techniques to evaluate catalyst performance. A strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science is typically required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in catalysis, and why are they important?

To thrive in Catalysis, a solid background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science is essential, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, catalytic reactors, and computational modeling tools such as MATLAB or ChemDraw is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help professionals stand out in research or industrial settings. These abilities are critical to designing, optimizing, and scaling catalytic processes that drive innovation and efficiency in the chemical industry.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for professionals working in catalysis?

Professionals in catalysis can progress from entry-level research or process roles to senior scientist, project leader, or technical manager positions within industrial or academic settings. Advancement often depends on demonstrated expertise in catalyst design, process optimization, and successful project outcomes, as well as publication or patent contributions. Professionals may also expand their careers into related fields such as process development, quality control, or even commercial roles supporting technical sales and customer solutions. Many large organizations offer internal training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead interdisciplinary teams, supporting both technical and leadership growth.

What cities are hiring for Catalysis jobs?

Cities with the most Catalysis job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Catalysis jobs?

The most popular types of Catalysis jobs are:

What states have the most Catalysis jobs?

States with the most job openings for Catalysis jobs include:

Infographic showing various Catalysis job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,846 per year, or $74.4 per hour.

Post Doc Research Associate - Emissions Catalysis

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Richland, WA • On-site

$69K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy's goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.
Responsibilities
PNNL and the Institute for Integrated Catalysis (IIC) represent scientific and engineering leadership in catalysis research for the nation and world. Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. We employ a systems perspective that includes fundamental discovery, technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. PNNL's Advanced Energy Systems Group has an opening for a post doctorate research associate in emissions catalysis, supporting heterogeneous catalyst development and testing across a range of decarbonization and environmental applications.
The successful candidate will work with project teams to perform catalyst evaluations, pursue structural and functional understandings of the catalysts using a suite of state-of- the-art instruments, and collaborate with staff performing the corresponding computational chemistry. The post doc position will have a predominant focus on engine exhaust aftertreatment, with a focus on advanced catalyst development supporting internal combustion engines burning low carbon fuels. The research will clarify barriers to aftertreatment in these applications and pursue opportunities to mitigate and circumvent these barriers in pursuit of advanced aftertreatment strategies tailored to low carbon fuel applications. The candidate will have the opportunity to be exposed PNNL's biofuels, waste-upgrading, as it relates to heterogeneous catalysis and chemical engineering. Additional responsibilities of the position include the following:
  • Interact, communicate, and tackle problems with a diverse team of research staff
  • Be able to take initiative and work independently when needed
  • Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature
  • Present research at conferences and project review meetings
  • Participate in the development of research proposals
  • Train and mentor others

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Physical Chemistry
  • Strong record of publications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in heterogeneous catalysis
  • Expertise in emissions reduction catalysis
  • Experience in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization using spectroscopic techniques, and reaction kinetics measurements to unravel elementary details of catalytic reactions mechanisms
  • Practical experience in measuring catalytic performance and reaction kinetics
  • Experience with spectroscopic tools (e.g., FTIR, NMR) for the characterization of catalytic materials
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills. This includes a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Synthesis laboratory setting with fume hoods, ovens, etc.
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designed Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $119,100.00/Yr.

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About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution based in Richland, Washington, US. Operated by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract to the US Department of Energy (DOE), it is one of the DOE's seventeen national laboratories. PNNL primarily specializes in fields such as environmental science, energy, nuclear science, and national security. Founded in 1965, the lab has since been committed to its core values of integrity, creativity, collaboration, impact, and courage. Their mission is "to transform the world through courageous discovery and innovation." Notable achievements include significant contributions to projects like the Human Genome Project and the development of grid-friendly appliances.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richland, WA, US

Year founded

1965