Electrocatalytic Systems - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have openings for Postdoctoral Researchers to conduct research on the development of integrated electrochemical systems for upgrading alternative feedstocks through conversion and reactive separations. You will actively participate in a multidisciplinary team performing materials and component design, catalyst and system benchmarking, advanced characterization, and modeling and simulations. These positions are in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security group within the Materials for Emerging Applications and Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.
This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.
You will
Conduct research in electrochemical system design, synthesis, and testing, including characterizing the reaction kinetics, materials physicochemical properties, and performance degradation.
Develop systems for benchmarking catalysts and electrolyzers, and for in situ characterization of the dynamics of electrolyzer components and local reaction environments.
Develop electrochemical reactors and components for reactive separations, critical materials separations, and/or nitrogen conversion.
Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of experiments to establish design principles for catalysts and scale-up of electrolyzers.
Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary and multi-institution team environment to accomplish research goals.
Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
Maintain laboratory protocols, equipment, and best safety practices.
Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Hands on experience building, validating, and using electrochemistry infrastructure for the development of electrocatalytic systems.
Knowledge and experience in one or more key areas: electrolyzers or related electrochemical technologies, heterogeneous electrocatalysis, reactive separations, in situ characterization, advanced manufacturing, and/or materials synthesis.
Ability as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
Ability to develop and execute independent research projects as documented through a strong publication record of peer-reviewed literature.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills to allow effective collaboration in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
Qualifications We Desire
Experience with the chemistry, materials, and systems relevant to electrochemical conversion and/or separations.
Experience with conventional analytical techniques (NMR, GC, MS, HPLC, SEM, XPS, XRD, etc.) and synchrotron advanced characterization methods.
Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3-D printing.
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
Pay Range
$123,048 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid