Postdoctoral Research Associate - Electrochemical Energy Storage

Requisition Id 13904 

Overview:  

We are seeking postdoctoral researchers to advance science and technology in the areas of electrochemical energy storage. Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and education. The chosen candidates are expected to develop and execute research projects on development of long duration energy storage systems (Zn-air and Seawater batteries), their components and characterization of the same.

Candidates should have demonstrated record of technical accomplishments in 1) materials synthesis and functionalization, 2) battery cell fabrication and testing 3) advanced characterization techniques. Prior experience with battery R&D is highly desired. The research areas are aligned with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office, Office of Electricity and other government agencies.

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:

• Carry out works on the synthesis of novel gel polymer electrolyte and electrocatalyst development.
• Conduct works on the characterization of materials and interfaces.
• Evaluate electrochemical performance of materials and cells.
• Develop techniques and strategies for electrochemical measurements and post-test analysis.
• Exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Advance the reputation and standing of the group through establishing collaborations, professional society leadership and involvement.
• Write, develop, and review technical products such as project report, proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
• Ensure safe, collegial, and collaborative workplace.
• 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:

• Ph.D. in materials science and chemistry, electrochemical engineering, chemical and engineering, mechanical engineering completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background of developing long duration energy storage systems (Zn-batteries, Seawater-battery).
• Strong materials synthesis and chemistry background with expertise in gel polymer electrolyte and electrocatalyst.
• Strong publication record with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in writing reports and successful proposals and presenting project updates.
• Strong safety attitude.

 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.