Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage (Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Production, CO2 Reduction, Flow Batteries) PostDoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (PPO or HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Relocation packages

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks postdoctoral candidates to work on diverse energy-related projects, including PEMFCs, AEMFCs, electrolyzers, URFCs, CO2 reduction, and flow batteries. The role covers synthesis, characterization of nanoscale catalysts, membranes and electrode architectures, and device testing.

Applicants should have a PhD within five years in chemistry, materials science, chemical or mechanical engineering, and a strong publication record with excellent

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical or mechanical engineering completed within the last five years or soon.
• Experience in electrochemical characterization for electrodes and interfaces is desired.
• Strong publication record and ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on PEMFCs, AEMFCs, electrolyzers and flow batteries.
• Develop and characterize materials, catalysts and membranes for electrochemical energy systems.
• Synthesize and test devices, optimize architectures and assess durability and performance.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Polymer synthesis

Nanostructured materials

Microfabrication

Electrocatalysis

Electrode design

Electrochemical testing

English communication

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical/ mechanical engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

BET

XRD

XPS

NMR

Raman

FTIR

X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Job description

What You Will Do

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to work on a range of fundamental and applied research projects in acidic and alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs, AEMFCs), PEM, AEM and liquid alkaline electrolysis, unitized reversible fuel cells (URFCs), CO2 reduction and flow batteries. Research opportunities include electrocatalysis (precious metals and non-precious metals), ion exchange membranes, catalyst layer architectures, component and cell durability, water management, porous transport layers, cell operation and testing including the effect of impurities, synthesis/characterization of novel materials including nanoscale catalysts, supports and polymer membranes, and non-aqueous flow battery materials and system development.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Electrochemistry
• Polymer/organic synthesis/characterization
• Nanostructured material synthesis/characterization
• Microfabrication and thin film deposition
• Electrocatalysis/electrocatalysts
• Electrode design, fabrication and characterization
• Electrochemical testing (fuel cell, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, redox flow cell)

Candidates must also have:

• Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
• Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi‑disciplinary research environment and interact successfully with a variety of research & development, and commercial organizations

Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in electrochemical characterization for electrodes and catalyst/electrolyte interfaces
• Experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, polymer blending/composite, and ionomer dispersion preparation;
• Experience in the synthesis of nanostructured carbon-based materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), non‑precious metal catalysts, or similar materials;
• Experience in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, including alloys, core‑shell, and intermetallics;
• Experience in electrochemical device testing including PEMFC, AEMFC, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, and redox flow cell;
• Familiarity with SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other materials characterization techniques;
• Experience in mathematical modeling;
• Shape‑controlled metal nanocrystals and metal oxides
• MOFs, COFs, and related materials
• Mesoporous silica and related nanostructured materials
• Soft templating methods based on surfactants and block copolymers
• Synthesis of nanostructured interfaces or similar structures
• Thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
• Inverse opal fabrication
• Electrospinning
• Microfluidic devices
• Knowledge of electronics and of typical laboratory test instruments;
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card") holders are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.