High Temperature Electrochemical Materials Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking one or more postdoctoral researchers in the Hydrogen and Electrochemistry Department to perform laboratory experiments for solid oxide cells at elevated temperatures. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. The position requires knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas: Protonic ceramic conductors and cells: R&D of proton-conducting ceramic materials and electrochemical cells, with preference for candidates with a strong fundamental understanding of solid-state physics, defect chemistry, transport phenomena, and electrochemical characterization of materials and devices. Oxygen-ion-conducting cells: R&D of solid oxide cells based on oxygen-ion conductors (e.g., yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ), with a preference for candidates with experience in degradation mechanisms, durability, steam electrolysis, fuel cell operation with carbon-based fuels, and/or CO₂/H₂O co-electrolysis. High-temperature electrocatalysis: Electrocatalysis and electrochemical reaction engineering at elevated temperatures, preferably combined with heterogeneous-catalysis expertise. Experience in N₂ reduction/ammonia synthesis, CO₂ conversion/hydrogenation, or related electrochemical chemical-manufacturing processes is desirable. Heterogeneous catalysis: Catalyst development, characterization, and mechanistic investigation for light-alkane activation and conversion, with experience in methane conversion particularly desirable. Solid oxide cell fabrication and manufacturing: Fabrication and manufacturing of solid oxide electrochemical cells using conventional ceramic-processing methods. Experience with advanced manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing, spray coating, 3D printing, extrusion, or other tubular-cell fabrication techniques, is a plus. Cell scale-up and short-stack development: Development, assembly, integration, and electrochemical testing of large-area single-unit cells (e.g., 5 × 5 cm² and 10 × 10 cm²) and short stacks. Experience with test-stand operation, sealing, interconnects/contact layers, thermal management, gas delivery, performance evaluation, and durability testing is desirable. Candidates with expertise spanning multiple areas are particularly encouraged to apply. The position requires expertise in laboratory techniques such as Impedance Spectroscopy, GC/MS, FTIR, temperature programmed experiment, and Raman, etc. for in-line measurements, and other common characterization methods. The expectation for the successful candidate is that the person will be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to work in a highly team-oriented environment is required. The candidate will be required to communicate effectively with team members, mentors, and INL management. Activities that the candidate will undertake include: Hands-on laboratory collection and interpretation of data, document preparation (reports, peer-review journal articles, etc.). Preparation and presentation of results and interpretations to internal and external communities. When appropriate, propose new research concepts and work with team members to write and submit proposals for new work. The candidate also will be required to remain current with the literature in their technical area. Additionally, the candidate will read, review, and comment on safety documentation and will maintain an orderly workspace in accordance with pertinent laboratory best practices and procedures.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, material science and engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Experience in high temperature electrochemical system operation, data collection and data interpretation.
• Experience using characterization methods including impedance spectroscopy, GC/MS, FTIR, temperature programmed experiment, Raman, and vibrational spectroscopy, etc.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a highly team-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, mentors, and INL management.

Nice To Haves

• Strong fundamental understanding of solid-state physics, defect chemistry, transport phenomena, and electrochemical characterization of materials and devices (for Protonic ceramic conductors and cells).
• Experience in degradation mechanisms, durability, steam electrolysis, fuel cell operation with carbon-based fuels, and/or CO₂/H₂O co-electrolysis (for Oxygen-ion-conducting cells).
• Experience combined with heterogeneous-catalysis expertise (for High-temperature electrocatalysis).
• Experience in N₂ reduction/ammonia synthesis, CO₂ conversion/hydrogenation, or related electrochemical chemical-manufacturing processes (for High-temperature electrocatalysis).
• Experience in methane conversion (for Heterogeneous catalysis).
• Experience with advanced manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing, spray coating, 3D printing, extrusion, or other tubular-cell fabrication techniques (for Solid oxide cell fabrication and manufacturing).
• Experience with test-stand operation, sealing, interconnects/contact layers, thermal management, gas delivery, performance evaluation, and durability testing (for Cell scale-up and short-stack development).
• Expertise spanning multiple areas.
• Expertise in laboratory techniques such as Impedance Spectroscopy, GC/MS, FTIR, temperature programmed experiment, and Raman, etc. for in-line measurements, and other common characterization methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments for solid oxide cells at elevated temperatures.
• Conduct R&D of proton-conducting ceramic materials and electrochemical cells.
• Conduct R&D of solid oxide cells based on oxygen-ion conductors.
• Perform electrocatalysis and electrochemical reaction engineering at elevated temperatures.
• Develop, characterize, and investigate catalysts for light-alkane activation and conversion.
• Fabricate and manufacture solid oxide electrochemical cells.
• Develop, assemble, integrate, and test large-area single-unit cells and short stacks.
• Collect and interpret laboratory data.
• Prepare documents such as reports and peer-review journal articles.
• Prepare and present results and interpretations to internal and external communities.
• Propose new research concepts and collaborate on writing and submitting proposals.
• Remain current with the literature in their technical area.
• Read, review, and comment on safety documentation.
• Maintain an orderly workspace in accordance with pertinent laboratory best practices and procedures.

Benefits

• 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree