Post Doctorate RA - Materials Scientist/Batteries

Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. Responsibilities The Battery Materials and Systems (BMS) Group, within the Energy Processes and Materials Division of the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL, is seeking an outstanding materials scientist with a strong background in material synthesis, materials science, and electrochemistry, with hands-on experience in the material design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced battery materials for applications in energy storage technologies. The successful candidate will join a team of more than 60 world-class scientists and engineers working on a diverse portfolio of battery technologies. The primary scope of work is the design, synthesis, and testing of high-performance battery materials and electrolytes for energy storage technologies such as aqueous zinc (Zn), lithium-/sodium-ion (Li-/Na-ion), and/or redox flow batteries, with an emphasis on earth-abundant elements. The candidate must be able to conduct in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively within a team. The Successful Candidate Will Work With Project Managers, Principal Investigators, And Other Senior Scientists To Develop Advanced Electrode Materials, Design And Synthesize Innovative Electrolytes. The Candidate Will Also Collaborate With Scientists And Engineers Within And Outside The Group To Identify And Understand Working Mechanisms Through Advanced Characterization And Theoretical Simulation. Specifically, The Candidate Will Provide technical contribution and leadership through problem-solving, innovation and creativity, which will include screening of various electrolytes and electrode materials, scaling-up of materials for cell prototyping. Conduct and monitor state-of-the-art experimentation that adheres to PNNL safety standards, policies, and procedures. Use know-how to help improve overall laboratory safety culture. Demonstrate accurate record keeping of all calculations and experiments. Work effectively in a team of senior scientists/engineers and junior researchers/students of diverse background to safely conduct research and accomplish project objectives; r…

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