Post-doctoral Researcher - Materials Science for Photovoltaics

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Apr 10

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry Level
Research & Development
$73.2K - $120.8K
Golden

Requirements

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or relevant field.* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a solid background in materials science and/or photovoltaic device physics.
Strong scientific writing skills demonstrated by first authorship of quality scientific papers
Proven communications skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team are also required.
Experience with experimental materials science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant field.
Scientific background allowing interpretation of results using physical principles.
Excellent oral and written presentation skills.
A willingness and curiosity to learn work on a variety of projects.
Ability to learn new techniques quickly and multi-task efficiently.
Preferred Qualifications:
The following is a list of preferred skills we would like the candidate to have. We do not expect them to have all these skills/experiences, but just a few. The successful candidate will be selected based on how their skills in these areas will best compliment the team composition.
Hands on experience with fracture mechanics, mechanical testing, microscopy, or metallography.
Experience with photovoltaic cell metallization, silicon cell processing, module interconnects, or other metal-semiconductor interfaces.
An understanding of PV device physics.
Experience with crystalline Si, CdTe, III/IV, perovskite, or any other PV technology.
Understanding of PV performance and energy yield modeling.
Knowledge of photovoltaic cell fabrication, processing, and packaging.
Experience with modeling mechanics of materials and thermomechanical reliability.
Experience with accelerated stress testing of materials or devices.
Experience extrapolating laboratory degradation to field performance.
Understanding of polymer science and degradation.

Responsibilities

The NREL Materials, Chemical and Computational Science (MCCS) directorate has an immediate opening for a full time (40 hours per week) Postdoctoral Researcher for work conducting innovative experimental research in in renewable energy and energy efficiency. MCCS’ research portfolio spans photovoltaics and solar energy conversion; solar fuels; hydrogen production, storage, and utilization; fundamental materials science and chemistry; materials discovery, synthesis, and development; advanced characterization, spectroscopy, microscopy, and imaging; energy storage; and reliability/durability.
Publication of results in scientific journals and conference proceedings and presentation of work at scientific conferences and program review meetings are expected. Complying with NREL's environmental, safety, and health policies and procedures, working safely at all times, maintaining showpiece laboratories, and continuously promoting a safe working environment.

FAQs

What is the location of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is located in Golden, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

What is the mission of NREL?

The mission of NREL is to research and develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to save the planet.

How does NREL support diversity and inclusion in hiring practices?

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices by collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process.

What employee groups and clubs are available at NREL?

NREL offers ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes for employees to engage with.

What kind of work environment can employees expect at NREL?

Employees at NREL can expect a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment where they can connect with coworkers driven by a common mission to save the planet.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Science & Healthcare

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

1977

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a Department of Energy national lab, is #TransformingEnergy as the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL's Mission: NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. NREL's Strategy: NREL has forged a focused strategic direction to increase its impact on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) and our nation's energy goals by accelerating the research path from scientific innovations to market-viable alternative energy solutions.