Postdoctoral Researcher – Electrochemical Conversion Device Development

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NLR’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center to work on the fabrication and testing of electrochemical conversion devices with a focus on chemical production. Efforts will include evaluation of CO2 electrolyzers that perform gas-phase CO2 reduction at the cathode and alkaline water oxidation at the anode to investigate how device and electrode-level modifications impact thermodynamic and kinetic levers that control product selectivity. While the primary application is CO2 conversion, the knowledge gleaned from this effort will be translatable to other electrochemical conversion processes like fuel cells, electrolyzers, separation processes, and other chemical production efforts. The candidate will be responsible for the fabrication of electrodes and devices used for chemical conversion, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and the interpretation of electrochemical performance. Fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry is required. This candidate will work with a team of experts to scale up novel concepts from 5 and 25 cm2 to 400 cm2 devices, utilizing technoeconomic assessment to establish key performance metrics.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date
• Experience in synthesis of electrode for electrochemical conversion processes
• Electrochemical characterization of electrodes and cell properties through diagnostics such as limiting current and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• An understanding of electrode morphology and impacts of processing and chemical nature on structure, performance and durability of electrodes used in electrochemical conversion devices
• Experience with performance and durability testing of cells/stack
• Demonstrated track record of success in addressing fundamental and applied science questions and devising solutions to challenging problems

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science & engineering
• Record of publications/presentations in areas related to polymer electrolytes, electrolyzers, and/or fuel cells
• Knowledge of supporting physical characterization techniques (microscopy, scattering etc.) is a plus

Responsibilities

• Fabrication of electrodes and devices used for chemical conversion
• Experimental design
• In-situ electrochemical testing
• Interpretation of electrochemical performance
• Scale up novel concepts from 5 and 25 cm2 to 400 cm2 devices
• Utilizing technoeconomic assessment to establish key performance metrics

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• short-term disability insurance
• pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
• paid holidays
• performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component
• relocation expense reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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