Requisition Id 11540 

Overview: 

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. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to focus on the science of processing and characterization of solid electrolytes for lithium based solid-state batteries. This position resides in the Energy Storage and Conversion Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.  As part of the research team, the candidate will work in CSD’s state-of-the-art laboratories that are equipped with materials synthesis capability including, solid state and wet chemistry, physical vapor deposition, electrochemical test modules, X-ray, Micro-Raman, AFM, and microscopy. There will also be ample opportunity to access the world-class facilities and collaborate with the staff scientists at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNMS), the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and Battery Manufacturing Facility (BMF).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Focus on synthesis, characterization, and processing of novel class of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for solid-state batteries with an emphasis on sulfide SSE systems
• Optimize structure and interfacial properties, such as ionic conductivity, electrochemical window, and stability. Fabricate and design full solid-state cells for electrochemical analysis and testing.
• Develop polymer-based binders for free-standing solid-state electrolyte separators
• Publish high quality journal publication. Work on deliverables for the sponsor and communicate results.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality
• 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 inorganic chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• A strong background in electrochemical energy storage, conversion, synthetic chemistry, or other related fields

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in synthesis, processing, and design of solid-electrolytes for Li-batteries 
• Experiences in polymer-based electrolytes and binder development
• Fabrication and assembly of solid-state batteries and methods to improve the electrode-solid electrolyte interfaces
• Industrial experiences in handling sulfide or other solid-state electrolytes
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

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: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.

Nearest Major Market: Knoxville