Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells Postdoctoral Research Associate

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking one or more postdoctoral researchers in the hydrogen and electrochemistry department to perform laboratory experiments for solid oxide cells at elevated temperatures. The position includes a 9x80 schedule at the Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and strong English communication skills, and will contribute to advanced electrochemical research, safety practices, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• PhD requirements in chemical engineering, material science and engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments for solid oxide cells at elevated temperatures and interpret data.
• Engage in impedance spectroscopy, GC/MS, and temperature-programmed experiments for inline measurements.
• Prepare and present results in reports and peer‑reviewed articles to internal and external communities.
• Mentor team members and communicate effectively with INL management; read and comment on safety documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD required

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking one or more postdoctoral researchers in the hydrogen and electrochemistry department to perform laboratory experiments for solid oxide cells at elevated temperatures. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The position requires knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas:

1. Ceramic oxygen conductor R&D with preference on fundamental understanding of solid-state physics or defect chemistry as well as the electrochemical characterizations on materials properties.
2. Electrochemical system and test facility development include P&ID design, HAZOP/safety analysis, drafting controls and alarms documents, work control documentation development.
3. Electrocatalysis (high temperature system with heterogeneous catalysis skills, the expertise in CO2 hydrogenation and/or N2 reduction are preferred).
4. Ceramic cell fabrication, and manufacturing (expertise with the conventional ceramic engineering, additive manufacturing, spray coating, 3D printing and extrusion is a plus).
5. Electrochemical cell/stack testing and characterization testing. Ideally fuel cell, electrolysis, co-electrolysis.

The position requires expertise in laboratory techniques such as Impedance Spectroscopy, GC/MS, temperature programmed experiments, etc. for in-line measurements, and other common characterization methods. The expectation for the successful candidate is that the person will be highly motivated and a self-starter, but also be capable of working well and efficiently in a highly team-oriented environment. The candidate will be required to communicate effectively with team members, mentor, and INL management.

Activities that the candidate will undertake include: hands-on laboratory collection and interpretation of data, document preparation (reports, peer-review journal articles, etc.), preparation and presentation of results and interpretations to internal and external communities, and, when appropriate, propose new research concepts and work with team members to write and submit proposals for new work. The candidate also will be required to remain current with the literature in their technical area. Additionally, the candidate will read, review, and comment on safety documentation and will maintain an orderly workspace in accordance with pertinent laboratory best practices and procedures.

Required:

• PhD requirements in chemical engineering, material science and engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.