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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Redox Flow Batteries

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Job Description

Requisition Id 9720

PURPOSE:

We are seeking a skilled post-doctoral researcher who will develop redox flow batteries for grid storage applications. This position is within in the Energy Storage and Conversion Group 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 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 economic development and security of the United States.

OVERVIEW:

As part of our research team, the candidate will be expected to work across a variety of projects related to emerging redox flow battery chemistries (aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes). Applicants are expected to lead experiments to develop/characterize materials, processing methods, and lab-scale devices. Applicants are also expected to participate in laboratory operations and maintenance including instrument repairs, facility operations, purchasing supplies, and organizing work zones. Furthermore, they are required to aid in training new scientists (e.g., graduate students, post-BS, and postdocs) with suitable laboratory procedures and attend to best practices while coordinating with ORNL safety outside of the ESCG group. The candidate will be expected to make extensive use of electroanalytical methods (e.g., charge/discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and AC impedance spectroscopy) to identify redox mechanisms and assess practical viability of emerging flow battery electrolytes. The candidate should also be familiar with spectroscopic techniques (e.g., Raman, FTIR, and UV-vis) to provide complementary scientific insights. Applicants will be expected to write peer reviewed publications and progress reports.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build and test lab-scale redox flow batteries and other electrochemical systems (e.g., coin cells)
  • Operate and maintain inert gloveboxes
  • Perform characterization studies of flow battery components (e.g., anolyte/catholyte, current collectors, and membranes)
  • Coordinate research with other team members inside and outside ORNL
  • Work with sponsors to achieve project goals and deliverables
  • 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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related science discipline completed within the last five years
  • Experience in construction and testing of redox flow batteries including nonaqueous and/or aqueous electrolytes

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with alkali metal anodes (e.g., Li and/or Na) for rechargeable batteries
  • Expertise fabricating and characterizing ion-selective membranes for aqueous and/or nonaqueous electrolytes
  • Background in electrochemistry and/or analytical chemistry
  • Experience with laboratory synthesis and processing techniques
  • 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 as demonstrated by reports, presentations, publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, and/or commercial products
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate in collaborative teams across ORNL.
  • Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver license within 10 days of arriving to operate DOE vehicles on-site.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

WORK DIRECTION AND INTERFACES:

Position reports to the Energy Storage and Conversion Group in the Chemical Sciences Division and interfaces with administrative staff, managers, and visitors to ORNL.

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.


For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.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

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