Postdoctoral Research Associate: Neutron scattering for electrochemical systems

Requisition Id 14590 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will work with neutron scattering methods to characterize electrocatalysts, catalyst inks, and electrode structures used in electrochemical devices. This position resides in the Macromolecular Nanomaterials (Macro) Group in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with world leaders in fuel cells and electrolyzers through multiple consortia  within the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) aimed at enabling hydrogen as an energy carrier. Your role will be to work with the suite of Liquids Reflectometry and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering beamlines housed in the Neutron Scattering Directorate, and with other core facilities, to drive the research of catalyst synthesis, scale-up, and electrode fabrication. A key area of research will be integrating electrochemical methods with neutron scattering techniques and performing advanced data analysis to establish relationships between fabrication parameters and the resulting structures.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research in the field of fuel cells and electrolyzers using in situ/operando neutron scattering and electrochemical techniques.
• Correlate electrochemistry experiments with other analytical methods.
• Develop high-quality proposals to obtain beamtime for neutron and/or X-ray scattering experiments at the user facilities.
• Reduce and analyze the data obtained from neutron experiments.
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Present results at scientific conferences and at HFTO consortia meetings.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science & Engineering, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Background in electrochemistry.
• Background in analytical chemistry.
• Background in materials science.
• Experience in neutron and/or X-ray scattering and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An 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.

Special Requirements:

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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov.  Please include the title of the position 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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, 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.

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.