Postdoctoral Research Associate - Dry Processing

Requisition Id 12847 

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 post doctoral researcher focused on the dry processing of solid-state batteries.  This position resides in the Energy Storage Membrane Materials Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (X060), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) but will involve close (daily) collaborations with scientists/team members across the laboratory.  Potential candidates are expected to contribute to the development unique science directions, in collaboration with the Team and sponsoring organizations.  Furthermore, the position requires collaborating and interacting with staff at ORNL’s Battery Manufacturing Facility located at the National Transportation Research Center, the Spallation Neutron Source on Chestnut Ridge, and within the Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL.  This position will support the laboratories mission of world leading energy storage science and delivering solutions to pressing energy storage problems essential to economic develop and security of the United States.

Applicants are expected to perform experiments to understand the dry processing of solid-state batteries including sulfide and oxide solid electrolytes with polymer electrolytes and low cobalt cathode materials.  The candidate will make extensive use of solid-state synthesis methods along with dry processing of polymer-ceramic composites.  The candidate will be expected to apply state-of-the-art scattering methods (both X-ray and neutrons) including neutron diffraction analysis along with detailed electrochemical measurements related to transport and interfacial stability to understand the nucleation and growth and transport properties of solid ceramic-polymer ion conductors. Other characterization studies will be implemented as appropriate for the materials including resistivity, photoelectron spectroscopy, ion transport, and detailed analytical analysis of composition.  Applicants will be expected to compose or participate in the composition of reports and peer reviewed publications. As part of our research team, the candidate will be expected to collaborate across a variety of projects related to vehicle, grid, and space batteries.  In addition, the applicant will be expected to engage with the team and develop/improve suitable laboratory procedures and aspects related to safety and best practices.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Solid state synthesis of ceramic ion conductors

• Physical vapor deposition

• Dry processing of polymers and sulfide solid electrolytes

• Chemical analysis including inductively coupled plasma

• Structure characterization using ex and in situ scattering along with analysis of this data

• Perform characterization studies of battery materials

• Coordinate research with other team members inside and outside ORNL

• Design and evaluate special cells required for in situ electrochemical studies

• 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

• 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 Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related fields completed within the last 5 years

• Experience with nucleation and growth of ceramics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ceramic and materials synthesis

• Experience with vacuum system-based deposition processes

• Analytical chemistry background

• Basis knowledge of battery chemistry

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver license within 10 days of arriving to operate DOE vehicles on-site.

• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by 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

• 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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] 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

Special Requirements:

• This is a Project that is classified as RED on the DOE Scientific Threat Matrix. 

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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: [email protected] .

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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 [email protected].

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.