Post Doc Research Associate - Battery Materials & Systems

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Lincoln
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

**Overview**

PNNL's Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science, engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinary scientists steward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction.

Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks at the interface of human and natural environments. This includes predicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing the resiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics to forecast complex system behaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decision making and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and national security. It also includes developing energy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage and utilization, along with carbon sequestration.

Driven by a "science-to-solutions" philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate natural hazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights and decision support through the development of tools and solutions.

**Responsibilities**

The Energy Processes & Materials Group within the Energy and Environment Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding researcher with a solid background in materials synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance testing. This position is for a materials scientist, electrochemist, chemist with experience in materials science and electrochemistry. In particular, the focus of this position is to provide technical support to a growing team of scientists and engineers conducting fundamental and applied research and development in the field of high energy density battery materials and related technical areas.

The project work will include characterization and evaluation of raw materials, design and synthesis of battery materials, studies of electrochemical properties of synthesized materials as well as the interphase evolution in electrolytes. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new battery-based energy storage technologies, including materials development, device fabrication/testing, and the delivery of the final product, in coordination with senior research scientists and the project manager. They will also prepare manuscripts for publication, present their work internally and externally at national/international conferences, and develop new ideas for funded research.

**Qualifications**

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:

+ Must possess Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or other related fields.

+ A strong background in the theory and practice of battery materials synthesis, characterization and testing is a must.

+ Experience with chemical analysis of energy materials, developing high energy density cathode materials such as NMC and in-depth understanding of cathode electrolyte interphase with related electrochemistry studies is a plus.

+ The candidate must possess excellent problem-solving skills based on a thorough understanding of synthetic methods and reaction mechanisms. Expertise in characterization of battery materials (ICP, TGA, SEM, NMR, MS, IR spectroscopy, etc.) is also required.

+ The successful candidate must have demonstrated technical aptitude in a laboratory environment, including electrochemical testing and characterization techniques, experimental setup, operation, and data analysis, as well as a demonstrated ability in technical communication.

+ Good written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate effectively in a teaming environment are required.

**Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment**

Not Applicable.

**Additional Information**

Not Applicable.

**About PNNL**

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.

**Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity**

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .

**Drug Free Workplace**

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Beginning 05/01/23, if you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

**Mandatory Requirements**

Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

**Rockstar Rewards**

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lincoln , Post Doc Research Associate - Battery Materials & Systems, Other , Lincoln, Nebraska