Job Description

Requisition Id 13737 

Overview:

We are seeking a skilled postdoctoral candidate to focus on developing new redox flow batteries concepts. In this role, you will concentrate on materials and chemistries suited for long-duration energy storage (LDES), specifically: Assembly, testing, and structural design of redox flow batteries; Membrane processing and electrochemical evaluation within the flow battery setup, including characterizations of ion transport and thermal and mechanical properties; Development of electrochemical methods to evaluate failure modes in these systems.

This position is available within the Energy Storage and Conversion Group (ESCG) in the Chemical Sciences Division (X060) at the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will engage in daily collaborations across the laboratory, contributing to novel scientific directions in partnership with the team and sponsoring organizations. This role supports ORNL’s mission to lead globally in energy storage science, addressing critical energy storage challenges vital for the economic and security interests of the United States.

You will work in CSD’s state-of-the-art laboratories, which are equipped with facilities for solid-state and wet chemistry synthesis, physical vapor deposition systems, electrochemical testing modules, X-ray scattering equipment, and various spectroscopy and microscopy tools. This position also offers extensive opportunities to access world-class facilities and collaborate with staff scientists at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and the Battery Manufacturing Facility (BMF). Applicants are expected to actively participate in writing reports, lead peer-reviewed publications in a timely manner, and maintain a strong commitment to upholding and promoting the values and ethics of our research community. Your research will be enhanced by interactions with other battery scientists, polymer chemists, computational chemists, and neutron scattering experts.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Redox Flow Battery (RFB) Hardware Development:

• Lead the development and assembly of RFB hardware components.
• Perform informed modifications to optimize the battery systems based on outcomes from rigorous electrochemical evaluations.

1. Membrane Testing and Characterizations:
   • Conduct comprehensive testing of membranes specifically designed for redox flow batteries.
   • Utilize advanced characterization techniques to assess the chemical and physical properties of membranes, focusing on their performance and durability within the battery system.
2. Development of Electrochemical Methods:
   • Develop and refine electrochemical methods to accurately evaluate the functionality and efficiency of RFBs and their membrane components.
   • Implement these methods to investigate failure modes and ensure the reliability and longevity of RFB systems.
3. Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
4. Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
5. Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree 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 (Comprehensive but Not Exclusive):

• Experience with redox flow battery hardware build and test
• Experience with sulfur chemistry (e.g. Li-S or Na-S) is a plus
• Experience with CO2 electrochemical conversion 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 and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• 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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

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 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

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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.

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