Requisition Id 11541 

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 skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on fundamental research on cost-effective redox flow battery membranes development. This position is in the Energy Storage and Conversion Group (ESCG) in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and will involve daily collaborations with scientists/team members across the laboratory. Potential candidates are expected to contribute to developing unique scientific directions in collaboration with the Team and sponsoring organizations. This position supports the Laboratory’s mission of world-leading energy storage science, delivering solutions to pressing energy storage problems that are essential to the economic development and security of the United States.  As part of our research team, you will focus on materials and chemistries for long-duration energy storage (LDES). As part of the research team, the candidate will work in CSD’s state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with solid-state and wet chemistry synthesis capabilities, physical vapor deposition systems, electrochemical test modules, X-ray scattering equipment, vibrational spectroscopy tools (e.g., micro-Raman, ToF-SIMS), atomic force microscopy, and electron microscopy. This position also offers ample opportunity to access world-class facilities and collaborate with staff scientists at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and Battery Manufacturing Facility (BMF). Applicants will be expected to take part in writing reports and leading peer-reviewed publications in a timely manner and maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Synthesize and fabricate polymer-based membrane electrolytes for redox flow batteries 
• Evaluate ion transport, mechanical and thermal properties of the solid electrolytes 
• Construct, build, and cycle prototype batteries in Ar-filled gloveboxes
• 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 dedication 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 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 with redox flow battery build and test
• Experience with sulfur chemistry (e.g., Li-S or Na-S) is a plus
• Experience synthesizing organic and inorganic active materials for electrochemical energy storage
• Experience in synthesis and characterization of next-generation materials beyond Li-ion batteries
• Experience with sulfur electrode 
• Experience applying interfacial coatings to optimize solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces
• Experience in using advanced beamlines and analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, electron microscopy) to study material interfaces and mass transfer of membranes
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by educationally equivalent production including reports, presentations, publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or commercial products
• 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