Postdoctoral Researcher - PEM Electrolysis MEA Integration

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in PEM water electrolysis focusing on membrane electrode assembly integration for PEM electrolyzers.

The position requires a recent PhD, experience in PEM electrode synthesis and testing, and interfacing components into MEAs; opportunities include publication, collaboration, and career development.

Qualifications

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Experience in synthesis of PEM electrolysis electrodes.
• Characterization of PEM electrolysis electrodes and cell properties.
• Understanding integration of cell components into membrane electrode assemblies.
• Experience in testing PEM electrolyzers.
• Demonstrated track record of addressing fundamental and applied science questions.

Skills

PEM electrode synthesis

Characterization of PEM electrodes

Cell integration into MEA

Testing PEM electrolyzers

Problem solving in science

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Job description

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - PEM Electrolysis MEA Integration

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - PEM Electrolysis MEA Integration

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in NLR’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center to work in the area of PEM water electrolysis, specifically in the area of advanced and novel electrode development. This position will focus on membrane electrode assembly integration primarily for use in PEM electrolyzers, but may also have relevance for other electrochemical energy conversion devices like fuel cells, electrochemical hydrogen compression and/or electrochemical CO2 reduction. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute to and/or develop novel PEM electrodes and/or the devices employing these novel electrodes.

Basic Qualifications

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Experience in synthesis of PEM electrolysis electrodes.
• Characterization of PEM electrolysis electrodes and cell properties with a focus on physical and electrochemical properties.
• An understanding of integrating of cell components into membrane electrode assemblies and impacts of processing and chemical nature on structure, performance and durability of PEM electrolysis electrodes.
• Experience in testing PEM electrolyzers.
• Demonstrated track record of success in addressing fundamental and applied science questions and devising solutions to challenging problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science & engineering.
• Record of publications/presentations in areas related to polymer electrolytes, electrolyzers, and/or fuel cells.
• Demonstrate considerable skill in interpreting and assessing experimental results.
• Excellent interpersonal as well as oral and written communication skills are essential for success at NLR.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

• Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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