Materials Scientist 3 - Solid Oxide Cells

About the role

This materials scientist position in the Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group will conduct research on high-efficiency solid oxide energy conversion systems at the forefront of alternative fuels and energy technology. The position holder will 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 work as an integrated member of the team, interfacing and collaborating with other researchers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high temperature electrolyzers.
• Perform electrochemical characterization and data analysis.
• Carry out laboratory work independently with the support of other technical staff.
• Clearly document experimental results and report findings to the team at regular intervals.
• Perform work safely and in accordance with lab policy and training.
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations at professional society conferences and/or to sponsors.
• Build a reputation through the application of science and engineering principles and theories.
• Develop technical approaches to solve challenges.
• Build a technical network within PNNL and team with others to optimize research.
• Mentor junior staff and students.
• Receive guidance on new assignments, making preliminary selections on technical alternatives; independently complete recurring assignments.
• Define and lead project work at a small task/project level, reporting results on time and on budget.
• Contribute to proposals.
• Establish local reputation and develop external reputation with specialization in at least one technical domain.
• Build effective project teams internally and serve as principal investigator or co-PI on projects or tasks, while integrating capabilities of work team members.
• Support scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level.
• Generate new ideas for proposals and business development opportunities while leading development of technical sections of small to medium proposals.
• Embrace expectations for quality, safety, and security.
• Present at national or international forums.
• Lead the development of journal articles, reports, and other technical products.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant materials science experience – OR –
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant materials science experience – OR –
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant materials science experience
• Experience in electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells and solid-state electrochemistry, to include electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, current interrupt, equivalent circuit modeling, or distribution of relaxation times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, catalysis, physics, or related field with industrial or national research laboratory experience.
• Experience in high-temperature ceramics characterization.
• Experience in catalysis and electrocatalysis helpful.
• Experience in cell fabrication, quality, and performance.
• Detail-oriented; self-motivated; and works well with deadlines to deliver high-quality, timely results.
• Works well in a team.
• Experience in proposal writing.
• Good writing and communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable Testing Designated Position

Pay

Minimum Salary USD $122,100.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $193,000.00/Yr.