Sr. Materials Scientist - Solid Oxide Electrolyzer/Fuel Cell

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Sr. Materials Scientist to join the Energy and Environment Directorate, specifically within the Energy Processes and Materials Division (EP&MD). This division focuses on delivering science and technology solutions for national energy and environmental challenges, including areas like energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, and hydrogen production. The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group is looking for an individual to lead research and development in high-temperature electrolyzers, utilizing innovative metal and ceramics manufacturing and processing. This role will contribute to hydrogen production and energy resiliency by improving materials performance and energy efficiency. The position holder will lead small research teams, conduct research, and collaborate with other researchers to achieve project milestones. The role involves developing and executing experimental plans, analyzing electrochemical data, supporting project management (scoping, scheduling, budgeting), serving as a role model for safety, and contributing to scientific publications and presentations. The ideal candidate will possess technical leadership skills, a strong network, and the ability to develop new project opportunities and lead proposal development. Mentoring junior staff is also a key aspect of this senior role.

Requirements

BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience OR MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience OR PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, catalysis, physics, or related field with 5+ years of industrial or national research laboratory experience, or MS/MA with 7+ years of similar experience
A professional reputation for technical expertise and technical leadership within the SOEC and SOFC field
Experience as principal investigator on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects or tasks
Demonstrated record of publication in top-tier journals and an ability to collaborate and lead within a teaming environment.
Experience in high-temperature ceramics characterization
Extensive experience in electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells and solid state electrochemistry, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, current interrupt, equivalent circuit modeling, and distribution of relaxation times
Good understanding of advanced fabrication techniques and quality controls
Ability to critically assess and benchmark electrochemical and analytical data
In-depth knowledge of advanced analytical surface and bulk characterization techniques
Interest and experience in data analysis and machine learning
Experience in catalysis and electrocatalysis
Detail-oriented; self-motivated; and works well with deadlines to deliver high-quality, timely results
Works well in a team
Strong writing and communication skills

Responsibilities

Lead research and development of high-temperature electrolyzers made using innovative metal and ceramics manufacturing and processing approaches.
Conduct research in hydrogen production and contribute to energy resiliency.
Dramatically improve materials performance and energy efficiency.
Lead small research teams to fabricate, characterize, and test high-temperature electrochemical solid oxide cells.
Perform electrode kinetics evaluation.
Conduct durability studies to understand the performance limitations and degradation of electrochemical devices.
Interface and collaborate with other researchers to deliver on project milestones.
Develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high-temperature electrolyzers.
Direct laboratory work with the support of other technical staff.
Analyze electrochemical data and formulate conclusions.
Support scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level.
Serve as a role model for quality, safety, and security.
Author and contribute to scientific publications, presentations at professional society conferences, and/or to sponsors.
Use established cross-organizational networks, external peers, and clients to further outcomes.
Serve as a principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects or tasks, and/or involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations.
Develop and realize new significant project opportunities, leading the development of technical sections of large proposals.
Take lead in scope, schedule, and budget for projects or large tasks.
Mentor junior staff and peers.
Be recognized by sponsors and collaborators for delivery on important program elements.