Postdoc Research Associate - Machine Learning/NLP for PEM Fuel Cell & Electrolyzer Materials Develop

Requisition Id 13187 

­­Overview:  

The Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing Group within the Electrification Section of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This position focuses on the integration of machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques in the development of materials for low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) and advanced alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) fuel cells and electrolyzers. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to innovate in electrocatalyst development, electrode design, and manufacturing processes. This role is based in the Department of Energy (DOE) Battery Manufacturing R&D Facility (BMF) at ORNL in Knoxville, TN, USA.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and apply machine learning models to optimize the synthesis of electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions in both alkaline and acidic media.
• Utilize NLP techniques to analyze and synthesize scientific literature and patents related to PEM and AWE technologies to guide experimental designs.
• Formulate and characterize electrocatalyst inks and slurries using data-driven approaches, and develop prototype and roll-to-roll (R2R) coating methods for scaling anodes and cathodes.
• Collaborate with teams from the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and H2 from the Next-Generation of Electrolyzers of Water (H2NEW) Consortia.
• Contribute to high-impact scientific papers and presentations and engage in networking and collaborative efforts with internal groups, other national labs, industry partners, and utilities.
• Supervise and mentor students and junior researchers.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in computer science, computational chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry, materials science, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years with a focus on machine learning and/or natural language processing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in applying machine learning techniques to materials science, electrochemistry, or related fields.
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to contribute to research proposals, write detailed scientific reports, and secure patents.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.