Postdoctoral Researcher - PEM Electrolysis MEA Integration

NLR; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

NLR in Golden, CO seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance PEM water electrolysis electrode development and MEA integration. The role focuses on novel PEM electrodes for electrolyzers and related devices, contributing to energy research and cross-disciplinary projects.

The position requires a recent PhD with hands-on electrode synthesis, characterization, and PEM electrolyzer testing, along with strong written and oral communication skills.

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 of integrating cell components into membrane electrode assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel PEM electrodes and/or devices employing these electrodes.
• Advance membrane electrode assembly integration for PEM electrolyzers.
• Contribute to fundamental and applied science questions and solutions.

Skills

PEM Electrolysis

Electrode Synthesis

Electrode Characterization

MEA Integration

PEM Electrolyzers

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Job description

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)

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

Benefits Summary

• 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
• paid holidays
• * 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.

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

Reasonable Accommodations E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.