Post Doctorate Research Associate - Material Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

9d

About The Position

The Integrated Sensors team within the Earth System Predictability & Resiliency Group of the Earth Systems Science Division is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead key tasks and support interdisciplinary projects. The work involves advanced sensing systems for Earth system science and renewable energy, including sensors designed to be fast, accurate, versatile, lightweight, small, and soft, with potential adaptation for challenging settings such as the deep subsurface and Arctic environments and for chemical detection.

Projects also study environmental impacts of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy by using underwater acoustic telemetry to detect and track fish or other animals, and study and mitigate wind energy impacts by using radio telemetry to detect and track bats and birds. The position’s primary scope includes advanced sensing material design and testing, signal acquisition in laboratory and field environments, generation of intellectual property, and writing high-impact papers.

The role is with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Energy and Environment Directorate. Field work may include deploying equipment and testing in forested environments. PNNL describes an exciting research environment, flexible work schedules, and excellent benefits; however, the listed Rockstar Rewards benefits exclude Research Associates. The pay range is $69,000 to $119,100 per year.

Requirements

• Must have received a PhD in material science, engineering, or a related field within the past five years (60 months), or be expected to receive it within the next eight months, from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience designing and testing sensing material.
• Experience in prototyping, field testing, and demonstration.
• Solid understanding of principles and concepts of material science and engineering.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications, patent writing, and/or proposal writing.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary development team.
• Comfort working in the field, including deploying equipment and testing in forested environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead key tasks and support interdisciplinary projects within the Integrated Sensors team.
• Develop advanced sensing systems for Earth system science and renewable energy, including sensors for challenging environments and chemical detection.
• Study environmental impacts of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy using underwater acoustic telemetry to detect and track fish or other animals.
• Study and mitigate wind energy impacts using radio telemetry to detect and track bats and birds.
• Design and test advanced sensing materials.
• Acquire signals in laboratory settings and field environments.
• Generate intellectual property.
• Write high-impact papers.
• Participate in field work, including equipment deployment and testing in forested environments.

Benefits

• PNNL offers health insurance and flexible work schedules.
• The Rockstar Rewards benefits listed for employees and their families include medical, dental, and vision insurance; telehealth care; mental health benefits; wellness coaching; health savings and flexible spending accounts; basic life and disability insurance; employee assistance and business travel insurance; tuition assistance; relocation; backup childcare; legal benefits; supplemental parental bonding leave; surrogacy and adoption assistance; fertility support; a company-funded pension plan; a 401(k) savings plan with company match; up to 120 vacation hours per year; and up to ten paid holidays per year. These listed Rockstar Rewards benefits exclude Research Associates, and all benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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