Postdoctoral Research Associate - Polymer & Ceramic Composite Electrolytes for Solid State Batteries

Requisition Id 9061 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Energy Storage and Conversion Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD)at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have skills in polymer electrolytes or ceramic electrolyte to work on composite electrolytes for solid state batteries. The goal of the project is to characterize polymeric/ceramic and electrolyte/electrode interfaces to gain fundamental understanding of how to control interfacial ion transport. The postdoc will be working in a collaborative Advanced Battery Research program as well as in the new ORNL EFRC center focusing on polymer electrolytes for next-generation energy storage devices.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with team members on the synthesis and processing of functional polymer/ceramic composites for energy storage
• Advance fundamental understanding of the physical principles that underpin polymer/ceramic composite synthesis and processing
• Advance fundamental understanding of ion transport at solid electrolyte-electrode interfaces
• 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 commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in polymer/ceramic composite processing such as but not limited to membrane casting, sintering, etc.
• Experience in polymer or electrolyte synthesis
• Experience in electrochemical characterization of polymer and/or ceramic electrolytes for Li ion batteries
• Experience in working with a glovebox
• Experience in polymer and/or ceramic characterization techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, small and wide-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to changing needs 
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment

• 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

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 [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

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 [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.