Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Postdoc in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to work on a range of fundamental and applied research projects in acidic and alkaline polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs, AEMFCs), PEM, AEM and liquid alkaline electrolysis, unitized reversible fuel cells (URFCs), CO2 reduction, flow batteries, solid state batteries, and advanced anodes and cathodes for batteries based on Li, Na, etc.. Research opportunities include electrocatalysis (precious metals and non-precious metals), ion exchange membranes, catalyst layer architectures, component and cell durability, water management, porous transport layers, cell operation and testing including the effect of impurities, synthesis/characterization of novel materials including nanoscale catalysts, supports and polymer membranes, non-aqueous flow battery materials and system development, and advanced anode materials, cathode materials, and interfaces for solid state batteries.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated strong background in one of the following areas:
o Electrochemistry
o Polymer/organic synthesis/characterization
o Nanostructured material synthesis/characterization
o Microfabrication and thin film deposition
o Electrocatalysis/electrocatalysts
o Electrode design, fabrication and characterization
o Electrochemical testing (fuel cell, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, redox flow cell)
o Li metal anodes, Si anodes, sulfur cathodes, solid state electrolytes
Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
Strong motivation and ability to work independently
Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment and interact successfully with a variety of research & development, and commercial organizations.
Education : Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in electrochemical characterization for electrodes and catalyst/electrolyte interfaces.
Experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, polymer blending/composite, and ionomer dispersion preparation;
Experience in the synthesis of nanostructured carbon-based materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), non-precious metal catalysts, or similar materials;
Experience in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, including alloys, core-shell, and intermetallics;
Experience in nanostructured material synthesis/characterization, micro and nanofabrication, and thin film deposition
Experience in the design, development, fabrication, and characterization of Li metal anodes, silicon anodes, sulfur cathodes, or solid state electrolytes.
Experience in electrochemical device testing including PEMFC, AEMFC, water electrolyzer, CO2 electrolyzer, and redox flow cell;
Familiarity with SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other materials characterization techniques;
Experience in mathematical modeling;
Knowledge of electronics and of typical laboratory test instruments;
Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
Note to Applicants:
In addition to applying on-line, please submit a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: educational background, degree dates, GPA with scale; work experience; competitive honors; relevant extracurricular activities; peer-reviewed publications; non-peer-reviewed publications; references. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. For additional technical inquiries, contact Rod Borup at borup@lanl.gov.
Where You Will Work
Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.
The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices group (MPA-11), conducts basic and applied research in areas related to applied energy programs and a variety of problems relevant to the weapons program. Our goal is to provide innovative and creative solutions needed to solve technical problems across the Laboratory's missions, including energy security, stockpile stewardship, and global threat reduction.
Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.