Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Materials Scientist 3

Key Skills

Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques

Job Description

Responsibilities

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a materials scientist to help develop high temperature electrolyzers made using innovative metal and ceramics manufacturing and processing approaches. This position will conduct research in green hydrogen production and contribute to global decarbonization. The position holder will become an integral part of a team that is central to DOE’s Hydrogen EarthShot working to dramatically improve materials performance and energy efficiency.

The position holder will lead small research teams to fabricate, characterize, and test high temperature electrochemical solid oxide cells, perform electrode kinetics evaluation, and conduct durability studies to understand the performance limitations and degradation of the electrochemical devices. The position holder will interface and collaborate with other researchers to deliver on project milestones.

The position holder will:

• Develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high temperature electrolyzers
• Direct laboratory work with the support of other technical staff
• Analyze electrochemical data and formulate conclusions
• Support scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level
• Serve as a role model for quality, safety, and security
• Author and contribute to scientific publications, presentations at professional society conferences and/or to sponsors

At the level of this Materials Scientist 3 position, the expectations are that the researcher has developed a technical specialization within this domain and is working to grow their external reputation by advancing science and engineering principles and theories; developing innovative technical approaches to solve challenges; building a technical network within and external to PNNL; teaming with others to optimize research; and mentoring junior staff and students.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, catalysis, physics, or related field with 3 years of industrial or national research laboratory experience, or MS/MA with 5 years of similar experience
• Experience in high temperature ceramics characterization
• Extensive experience in electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells and solid state electrochemistry, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, current interrupt, equivalent circuit modeling, and distribution of relaxation times
• Good understanding of advanced fabrication techniques and quality controls
• Ability to critically assess and benchmark electrochemical and analytical data
• In depth knowledge of advanced analytical surface and bulk characterization techniques
• Interest and experience in data analyses and machine learning
• Experience in catalysis and electrocatalysis helpful
• Detail oriented; self-motivated; and works well with deadlines to deliver high quality, timely results
• Works well in a team
• Strong writing and communication skills

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The position holder will work in research laboratories, which are inherently hazardous working environments. Exposure to mechanical hazards, chemicals, etc., are kept to a minimum and mitigated through the use of controls and the maintenance of a safety-conscious work environment.

Additional Information

Not Applicable.

Testing Designated Position

Not a Testing Designated Position.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.