Postdoctoral Researcher in Battery Materials Development

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Mar 27

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

AI generated summary

You: Recent PhD graduate in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field. Publications in NREL project areas. Skills in electrochemical interfaces, interphases, synthesis, and spectroscopic analysis needed.
You will conduct research on battery materials development, including reducing chemical reactivity, characterizing impurities, optimizing battery slurries, and studying earth-abundant material systems. Collaboration, interpretation of results, and communication are essential.

Requirements

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or related field. Record of publications/presentations in areas relevant to NREL projects
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional relevant skills of interest include a strong knowledge of electrochemical interfaces, solid/electrolyte interphases; electroanalytical techniques; synthesis and surface chemistry manipulation of macromolecular and nanoparticulate systems; electrochemical and/or spectroscopic analysis of charge transfer processes and correlation to interfacial chemistry.

Responsibilities

Multiple postdoctoral researcher positions are available in NREL’s Materials, Chemical, and Computational Science Directorate in support of programs focused on developing next-generation battery electrodes.
One postdoctoral researcher will develop, test, and refine hypotheses related to reducing the chemical reactivity of anode materials towards liquid electrolytes in Li-ion or Na-ion batteries. Another postdoctoral researcher will understand the impact of impurities in battery materials through materials and electrochemical characterization. Other potential projects are the optimization of battery slurries and electrode architectures to enable high loading electrodes and the study of earth-abundant material systems for stationary storage applications.
Key experience and knowledge for candidates includes expertise in at least one of the following: electrochemical principles, synthesis and characterization of battery materials, heterogeneous electrocatalysis, materials science/chemistry, rheology, spectroscopic and microscopic characterization, and the effects of pressure on the fundamental mechanisms involved in charge/discharge reactions.
For all positions, efforts will support larger multi-investigator and multi-institution projects. As work is synergistic with larger team efforts, qualified candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for collaboration and teaming as well as interpreting and assessing the experimental results of their own work and that of others. A track record of success from prior research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations is a key requirement. Excellent interpersonal, as well as oral and written communication skills are essential for success at NREL. Finally, inclusion and diversity are core values, and employees will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every worker.

FAQs

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

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

What is the mission of NREL?

NREL's mission is to save the planet through research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

What kind of work environment can I expect at NREL?

NREL values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment where employees can connect with coworkers driven by the same mission.

How does NREL support diverse hiring practices?

NREL collaborates with organizations focusing on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process to attract a highly diverse workforce.

What employee resource 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 and connect with their coworkers.

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.