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Post Doctorate Research Associate in Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell R&D

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Overview
Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Responsibilities
This post-doctoral research associate position in the Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group will conduct research on high-efficiency solid oxide energy conversion systems at the forefront of energy technology. The position holder will assist in fabricating, testing and characterizing high temperature electrochemical solid oxide cells and electrochemical reactions and contribute to evaluating the electrochemical device performance. The position holder will work as an integrated member of the team, interfacing and collaborating with other researchers.
 
The duties of the position include:
  • Developing and executing experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high temperature electrolyzers
  • Carrying out laboratory work independently with the support of other technical staff
  • Clearly documenting experimental results and reporting findings to the team at regular intervals
  • Performing work safely and in accordance with lab policy and training
  • Contributing to scientific publications and presentations at professional society conferences and/or to sponsors.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, catalysis, physics, or related field
  • Experience in high temperature ceramic processing and skills in characterization of those materials
  • Extensive experience in electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, solid state electrochemistry, equivalent circuit modeling, and distribution of relaxation times
  • Experience in catalysis and electrocatalysis helpful
  • Detail oriented; self-motivated; and works well with deadlines to deliver high quality, timely results.
  • Works well in a team
  • Good writing and communication skills

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
The position holder will work in research laboratories, which are inherently hazardous working environments. Exposure to mechanical hazards, chemicals, etc., are kept to a minimum and mitigated through the use of controls and the maintenance of a safety-conscious work environment.