Post Doctorate Research Associate - Battery Materials & Systems
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Post Doctorate Research Associate to advance electrolytes and materials for Li and Na batteries. You will join a team of 60+ scientists, focusing on high-performance electrode materials, electrolytes, and AI-driven design, with opportunities to collaborate across groups and publish in leading journals.
The role requires a PhD and hands-on battery research experience, and offers a pathway to contribute to national energy security in a
Qualifications
- PhD completed within the past five years or within the next eight months.
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related fields.
- Experience in synthesis of electrode materials and electrolyte screening.
- Strong ML/AI background.
- Hands-on Li/Na battery research desired.
- Excellent problem-solving and electrochemistry principles.
- Lab experience including cell fabrication and electrochemical testing.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical contribution and leadership through problem-solving and innovation.
- Conduct ML/AI to accelerate electrolyte design and expand the library.
- Perform experiments following safety standards and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborate with PM/PI and senior scientists to advance technologies.
- Prepare manuscripts and present at reviews and conferences.
- Publish findings and deliver internal/external reports.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. 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.
The Battery Materials and Systems (BMS) Group within the Energy Processes and Materials Division of the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL is currently seeking a Post Doctorate Research Associate to work on the development of electrolytes and materials for lithium and Na-ion batteries. The successful candidate will join a team of over 60 world-class scientists and engineers working on a diverse portfolio of battery technologies.
The successful candidate’s primary working scope will be on the design and synthesis of high-performance electrode materials and electrolytes for Li and Na battery. The candidate needs to have the ability to perform in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team. Knowledge of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), electrochemistry and materials science and hands-on experience with battery material synthesis, electrolyte screening, cell fabrication and testing are required for the job.
The successful candidate’s will work with PM, PI and other senior scientists to advance development of innovative technologies. Collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers within or outside of the group to identify and understand the working mechanisms through advanced characterization and theoretical simulation.
Specifically, the candidate will:
- Provide technical contribution and leadership through problem-solving, innovation and creativity, which will include developing, screening and validating electrolytes and electrode materials.
- Conduct ML/AI to accelerate the design of the electrolyte formulations and expend the electrolyte chemical library.
- Conduct and monitor experimentation that adheres to PNNL safety standards, policies, and procedures. Use know-how to help improve overall laboratory safety culture. Demonstrate accurate record keeping of all calculations and experiments.
- Work effectively in a team of senior scientists/engineers and junior researchers/students of diverse background to safely conduct research and accomplish project objectives; receive guidance on new assignments, independently complete recurring assignments, select and develop technical approaches on assignments with oversight on complex problems, develops new ideas for funded research and builds professional reputation both inside and outside of PNNL.
- Contribute clear and concise written and oral presentations, analysis, and internal/external reports.
- Prepare manuscripts for publications and present their work at project reviews and national/international conferences.
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 Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or other related fields.
- Synthesis of electrode materials and electrolyte screening.
- A strong background in ML/AI.
- Hands on experience in Li and/or Na battery research are desired.
- Possess excellent problem-solving skills based and thorough understanding of engineering, material science and electrochemistry principles.
- Desire to have demonstrated technical aptitude in a laboratory environment, including cell fabrication, electrochemical testing and characterization techniques, experimental setup and operation.
- Should have strong analytical, task management, and technical communication skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate effectively.
Not applicable.
This is not Testing Designated Position (TDP).
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, and flexible work schedules. 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.
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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.
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.
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.
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
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.
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*.
Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited‑term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
USD $69,000.00/Yr.
USD $119,100.00/Yr.
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