Postdoctoral Researcher - Electrode Development for Fuel Cell Applications

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

11d • $76,600 - $126,400 • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NLR’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center to work on low/ intermediate temperature (90-200oC) fuel cell development. This position focuses on improving performance, durability, and robustness to fuel sources through the development of novel electrode structures. While the primary application is in proton exchange membrane-based fuel cell systems the knowledge gleaned will have applicability to other electrochemical energy conversion devices like electrolyzers, separation processes, and chemical production.
The candidate will be responsible for the fabrication of electrospun electrodes, their subsequent incorporation into membrane electrode assemblies, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and the interpretation of electrochemical performance. Fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry is required. The candidate is expected to explore not only the materials space relative to electrochemical energy conversion devices, but the process space of electrospinning, including how process parameters impact electrode morphology and electrochemical performance.

Requirements

• 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
• Fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry

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.)

Responsibilities

• Fabrication of electrospun electrodes
• Incorporation of electrodes into membrane electrode assemblies
• Experimental design
• In-situ electrochemical testing
• Interpretation of electrochemical performance
• Exploration of the materials space relative to electrochemical energy conversion devices
• Exploration of the process space of electrospinning, including how process parameters impact electrode morphology and electrochemical performance

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Personal time off (PTO)
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards
• Relocation expense reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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