Microwave Properties and Modeling

Zintellect; Morgantown, Northern (WV, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Morgantown, WV, hosts ORISE-based internships for student researchers and recent graduates in the area of Coal Conversion & Products under the mentorship of Dushyant Shekhawat. The program supports work at NETL Morgantown, WV.

The Center for Microwave Chemistry develops microwave‑based processes for catalysis, hydrocarbon conversion, fuels and synthesis. Interns will study microwave–material interactions, characterize materials, and analyze data to

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or recent Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates may participate.
• Hands-on research in microwave–material interactions and characterization.
• Experience with data analysis and SOP documentation is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Investigate microwave–relevant properties of a diverse range of materials.
• Measure dielectric properties at elevated temperatures and related properties.
• Develop and document SOPs for material characterization systems.

Skills

Microwave chemistry

Dielectric properties

Materials characterization

SOP development

Education

Undergraduate student

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

ORISE program

Microwave testing facilities

Job description

The National Energy Technology Laboratory's (NETL's) record of success has been built on understanding the future of energy and the technologies required to make that future possible. We’ve long touted our success in developing the technologies that took on acid rain in the 1970s and mercury in the early 2000s.

Program Goals

The Professional Internship Program is designed to introduce undergraduate students and recent Bachelor's graduates to the challenges of conducting energy research, and enable graduate students and recent Master's graduatesto further build off their studies and experience as they join the scientific community. Participants interact daily with assigned mentors who guide research and project activities during the internship, while they become integral members of project teams.

The program goals include providing the opportunity to participants to:

• Develop skills and knowledge in their field of study
• Engagewith new areas of basic and applied research
• Transition classroom theory into hands-on experience
• Network with world-class scientists
• Exchange ideas and skills with the Laboratory community
• Use state-of-the-­art equipment
• Contribute to answers for today's pressing scientific questions
• Collaborate with the broader scientific and technical communities

Project Details

Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), this posting seeks a student researcher,recent Bachelor's graduate, or recent Master's graduateto engage in projects with the Research Innovation Center (RIC) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in the area ofCoal Conversion & Productsunder the mentorship of Dushyant Shekhawat. This project will be hosted at the NETL Morgantown, WV campus.

The Center for Microwave Chemistry is developing state-of-the‑at microwave-based processes for a wide range of chemical and process applications, including catalysis, hydrocarbon conversion, fuels and chemical synthesis, and critical mineral extraction. The development of accurate models for process design and scale‑up requires reliable characterization of material properties relevant to microwave heating. NETL is equipped with advanced materials characterization capabilities, and the participant will investigate microwave‑relevant properties of a diverse range of materials, including, but not limited to, catalysts, ceramics, semiconductors, ores, solvents, and newly synthesized materials. The research will include measuring dielectric properties at elevated temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, density, porosity, and other relevant material properties. The participant will also analyze and interpret characterization data to identify trends, evaluate reproducibility and measurement reliability, and develop a fundamental understanding of material behavior under relevant conditions. An additional component of the research will be collaborating onthe development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the various material characterization and measurement systems to ensure consistent, reliable, and reproducible measurements.

The overall objectives of this project are:

• 1. Gain a fundamental understanding of microwave–material interactions and the principles governing microwave heating, providing a foundation for understanding the design and development of microwave-assisted processes.
• 2. The research is expected to generate opportunities for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international technical conferences.

Stipend:

Participants receive a biweeklystipendbased on their educational level. Stipend payments are taxable as an educational benefit.Stipends for full-time participation are:

• $788perweek for undergraduate students
• $1225.50perweek for recent Bachelor's graduates
• $1499perweek for graduate studentsand recent Master's graduates