Postdoctoral Research Associate - Polymer and Composite Electrolytes for Solid State Batteries

Requisition Id 14059 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with skills in polymer electrolytes or ceramic electrolytes to develop composite electrolytes for solid state batteries. This position resides in the Energy Storage and Conversion Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our team, you will characterize polymeric/ceramic and electrolyte/electrode interfaces to gain fundamental understanding of how to control interfacial ion transport. The postdoc will be working in a collaborative Advanced Battery Research program focusing on development of solid-state electrolytes as well as precision fabrication of lithium metal-based electrodes.

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 7,000 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: 

• Collaborate with team members on the synthesis and processing of functional polymer/ceramic composites for energy storage.
• Advance fundamental understanding of the physical principles that underpin polymer/ceramic composite synthesis and processing.
• Advance fundamental understanding of ion transport at solid electrolyte-electrode interfaces.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• 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 materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering or other related fields, completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in polymer/ceramic composite processing such as but not limited to membrane casting, sintering, etc.
• Experience in polymer or electrolyte synthesis.
• Experience in electrochemical characterization of polymer and/or ceramic electrolytes for Li ion batteries.
• Experience in working with a glovebox.
• Experience in polymer and/or ceramic characterization techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, small and wide-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to changing needs.  
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment.

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

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.

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.