PhD Intern - Solid State Batteries

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational 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. The Battery Materials and Systems Group within the Energy Processes and Materials Division is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student for a one-year-long intern position. In this role, you will support a DOE Office of Electricity funded project to develop solid-state Na-metal batteries for grid-storage applications. You will contribute to developing and understanding novel solid-state electrolytes and their interfaces with electrode active materials, focusing on materials synthesis, cell assembly and testing, and electrochemical characterization. Cell-level testing combined with advanced materials characterization techniques will elucidate materials properties that contribute to excellent cell performance, and advance the field of solid-state batteries based on low-cost, abundant materials. As part of this dynamic team of battery materials scientists, you will collaborate on cutting-edge research that integrates emerging technologies to advance energy systems. This role is an opportunity to participate in the beginning of a new solid-state Na-battery project at PNNL. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrochemistry and materials science as well as experience with battery technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to expand and apply your knowledge as a PhD intern at PNNL. If you are eager to challenge yourself and contribute to innovative research, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Nice To Haves

Pursuing a PhD in material science, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
Experience with electrochemistry and battery material design.
Understanding of materials science and materials chemistry of solid-state ion conductors.
Materials synthesis experience.
In-depth knowledge of cell assembly and electrochemical design and performance.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions.
Ability to adapt experimental tools and coordinate effectively with other instrument users as necessary.

Responsibilities

Preparation of novel materials for Na-solid-state batteries
Optimization of battery cell assembly processes
Electrochemical and battery cycling testing of Na-solid-state batteries
Materials characterization (electrochemical, structural, morphological) of solid-electrolytes and electrode materials

Benefits

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

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