Sensor Development Scientist

Battelle•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Sensor Development Scientist to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). This full-time position in Pittsburgh, PA focuses on developing gas sensing devices for infrastructure monitoring, from conceptual design through field demonstration. The role involves working with world-class scientists and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment on both basic and applied research. Expected outcomes include publications, conference presentations, and new intellectual property development.

Requirements

Master's or PhD degree in electrical engineering, engineering physics, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.
Experience with gas sensor device fabrication and testing, ideally in harsh environments using resistive-based sensing devices.
Experience in device and material characterization techniques such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, and impedance measurements.
Hands-on familiarity with laboratory equipment such as vector network analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
Experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
Experience working on federally funded research projects.
Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus.
Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.
Unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced gas and chemical sensing technologies for energy infrastructure applications.
Design and develop highly sensitive gas and chemical sensors using FET, chemiresistive, and other sensor platforms for use in natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and storage wells.
Design and synthesize semiconducting thin films, metal oxide and 2D nanomaterials and their composite materials, nanoparticles, and nanoporous materials for gas and VOC sensing at room temperature.
Modify thin films and sensing materials to achieve highly sensitive, selective, low-ppb sensing layers capable of operating in high humidity, high temperature, and other challenging conditions.
Work with functional material scientists to design and develop sensor devices capable of detecting gas, corrosion, and other pipeline environmental factors.
Plan and participate in field test demonstrations of developed sensing technologies.
Document and communicate scientific results through peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and technical reports.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of researchers to accomplish project tasks.
Create and deliver oral and poster presentations of research results at meetings and technical conferences and workshops.

Benefits

Comprehensive and competitive benefits
Compressed work schedule (every other Friday off)
Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
Paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Wellness incentives and benefits
Optional supplemental benefits
Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
401(k) retirement savings plan (5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
Tuition assistance