Post Doctorate RA - Materials Scientist/Batteries
About The Position
The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL, is seeking an outstanding materials scientist with a strong background in material synthesis, materials science, and electrochemistry. This role focuses on the material design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced battery materials for energy storage technologies. The successful candidate will join a team working on a diverse portfolio of battery technologies, contributing to the design, synthesis, and testing of high-performance battery materials and electrolytes for applications such as aqueous zinc (Zn), lithium-/sodium-ion (Li-/Na-ion), and/or redox flow batteries, with an emphasis on earth-abundant elements. The candidate will collaborate with project managers, principal investigators, and senior scientists to develop advanced electrode materials and innovative electrolytes, and work with other scientists to understand working mechanisms through advanced characterization and theoretical simulation.
Requirements
- PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
- PhD in electrochemistry, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field.
- Excellent problem-solving skills based on a thorough understanding of electrochemistry.
- Ability to work safely and independently under supervision.
- Strong analytical, task management, and technical communication skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with high-performance aqueous-Zn, Li-/Na-ion, or redox flow battery.
- Organic synthesis techniques are a plus.
- Thorough understanding of engineering, material science and electrochemistry principles.
- Desire to demonstrate technical aptitude in a laboratory environment, including advanced materials synthesis, cell prototyping, electrochemical testing and characterization techniques, experimental setup and operation.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical contribution and leadership through problem-solving, innovation and creativity, which will include screening of various electrolytes and electrode materials, scaling-up of materials for cell prototyping.
- Conduct and monitor state-of-the-art experimentation that adheres to PNNL safety standards, policies, and procedures. Use know-how to help improve overall laboratory safety culture. Demonstrate accurate record keeping of all calculations and experiments.
- Work effectively in a team of senior scientists/engineers and junior researchers/students of diverse background to safely conduct research and accomplish project objectives; receive guidance on new assignments, independently complete recurring assignments, select and develop technical approaches on assignments with oversight on complex problems, develops new ideas for funded research and builds professional reputation both inside and outside of PNNL
- Contribute clear and concise written and oral presentations of data, analysis, and internal/external reports. Prepare manuscripts for publications and present their work at project reviews and national/international conferences.
Benefits
- health insurance
- flexible work schedules
- 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
- fertility support
- company-funded pension plan
- 401 (k) savings plan with company match
- 120 vacation hours per year
- ten paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
