Postdoctoral Researcher – Formulations, Rheology, Coatings, and Process Science

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Mar 26

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry Level
Research & Development
$71.3K - $117.6K
Golden

Requirements

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must demonstrate skill in interpreting and assessing the experimental results of their own work and that of others and have a demonstrated record of success from graduate and/or post-graduate work. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are essential for success in this role. Inclusion and diversity are core values, and the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every employee.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, or another related field.
Experience in any of the following areas is desired:
Colloid science
Rheology (particularly in the area of polymer and particle dispersions)
Polymer science and engineering
Working with and operating solution coating equipment – preferably roll-to-roll coating (e.g., slot die, gravure, slide die)
Conducting experiments related to coating process phenomena
Development of coating processes to produce uniform films
Conducting experiments related to drying processes and physics
Coating process fundamentals and related fluid mechanics
Record of publications/presentations in areas relevant to this posting and current NREL projects.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute experiments to answer relevant science questions and achieve project deliverables
Formulate or design inks/slurries to study interparticle interactions, rheology, or for use in coating/drying process studies
Develop roll-to-roll coating processes to produce uniform films
Conduct studies on drying/liquid film consolidation to determine impacts of process parameters on film structure and morphology
Analyze and present experimental findings to colleagues and collaborators
Work in project teams (including internal and external collaborations) to achieve project goals and meet deliverables
Publish results in peer reviewed journals and present at technical conferences

FAQs

What areas of expertise are required for this postdoctoral researcher position?

Candidates with expertise and interest in catalyst ink/slurry formulations, liquid coating processes, and drying of particle and polymer dispersions are encouraged to apply.

What is the objective of the collaborative projects for this position?

The objective of projects is to accelerate the transition of fuel cells and electrolyzers to high-volume manufacturing. These larger efforts probe the effects of formulation composition and manufacturing process steps such as coating and drying on film morphology with a focus on developing low-cost, high-performance devices.

How will the postdoctoral researcher collaborate with other NREL researchers and external collaborators?

The postdoctoral researcher will be engaged in collaborative projects with other NREL researchers and external collaborators to advance research in formulations, rheology, coatings, and process science for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

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.