Published Date: Dec 14, 2023.
Requisition Id 11862
Overview:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.
The Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing Group in the Electrification Section of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on the development of novel cathode/anode/electrolyte materials, inks/slurries and electrodes fabrication, cell assembly and testing for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. The successful candidate will also be expected to write high-impact papers, conduct data analysis, and work with electrocatalysts synthesis, coating, fuel cell, electrolyzer, and roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing professionals. This position resides in the Department of Energy (DOE) Battery Manufacturing R&D Facility (BMF) at ORNL (Knoxville, TN, USA).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Perform synthesis of metal oxides for anode, cathode, and support layers of oxide-ion and proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyzer cells.
- Perform slurry formulation and characterization studies for slot-die coating of ASL, AFL, and electrolyte layers.
- Develop calendaring and sintering for forming the electrode and electrolyte assembly.
- Fabricate button cells and large areas of cells and stacks.
- Characterize the fuel cell and electrolysis performance of the SOF(E)C cells.
- Develop techniques and strategies for electrochemical measurements and post-test analysis.
- Write high-impact papers on transformational solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies.
- Network and develop collaborations with other groups and divisions internally and with other national labs, industries, and utilities.
- Supervise students.
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong publication record with excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong ability/aptitude to contribute to proposal writing, write reports, and publish journal papers and patents.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.
Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
- Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
- View Profile
- Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document
Benefits at ORNL:
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected].
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
