Molten Salt Electrochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

10h • $105,144 • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform laboratory-based research and development of electrochemical systems and processes within our Chemical Separations group in the Critical Materials and Geothermal Energy Department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. You will report to the Project Investigator. You will develop and optimize electrochemical systems for a variety of pyrometallurgical/molten salt applications including metallic deposition, electrochemical redox stripping, electrophoretic separations, leaching and electrochemical processing. Knowledge and a working background in electrochemical processes in moderate and high temperature molten salt systems in inert environments is required.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Engineering (e.g., chemical engineering or nuclear engineering with emphasis on electrochemical studies) or Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (e.g., chemistry, materials science, or physics). PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• A developing publication record with demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated experience in molten salt electrochemistry, electrodeposition of metals, from fundamental understanding of reduction/nucleation processes to electrochemical engineering and process optimization and production of electrodeposits with desirable composition and material properties.
• Hands-on experience with inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Experience with electroanalytical (CV, CA, CP, EIS) and surface characterization (XRD, SEM) techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in either electrocatalysis, spectro-electrochemistry, or computational/theoretical analysis.
• Experience in molten salt electrolytic cell design.
• Experience with high vacuum systems

Responsibilities

• Be a strong asset to an established R&D team to achieve specific project/program targets and goals on multiple projects within the same area of study.
• Autonomous work and collaborative work taking direction from other team members and peers.
• Writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, project reports and proposals, as well as preparing presentations of research results and presenting them at national/international conferences/workshops/meetings.
• Maintain currency in relevant scientific literature.
• Meet Environment Safety and Health (ES&H) goals.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safe laboratory practices.
• Perform all work in an environmentally safe and compliant manner.

What This Job Offers

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