Post Doctorate RA -Solid Phase Processing

Overview

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to support research in solid phase processing of elevated temperature and composite materials. Processing approaches include friction stir processes, cold spray, and Shear-Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™) and variants that include additive manufacturing processes. Solid phase manufacturing processes typically require fewer manufacturing steps and can produce materials with better properties because no melting is involved. This position requires someone who wants to be "hands on" with machinery and develop industrially relevant processes to generate materials with specific microstructure. Applicants should have a strong background in manufacturing process development and working knowledge of materials science so that they can work with metallurgists to design intended processing conditions. Or applicants should have equal background in manufacturing process development and metallurgy of high temperature materials. The incumbent will contribute to the development and application of high performance materials and innovative processing approaches, supporting business lines associated with next generation lightweight vehicles, nuclear systems, and other markets where improvements in materials performance and energy efficiency are of interest to the Department of Energy and other clients.

The incumbent will:

• Research, plan, design, and conduct experiments involving solid phase processing methods and other specialty processing or testing systems.
• Collaborate with others to develop individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing composite materials as well as finishing, treating, and strengthening them.
• Collaborate with others to conduct structural characterization (XRD, SEM, EDS, EBSD, and TEM) and mechanical property evaluation (hardness, tensile, and fatigue), and relate microstructure and properties of materials to operating conditions and external factors.
• Document the results in reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

Minimum: Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred:

• Experience in friction stir related technologies including processing, extrusion, deposition, and other processes involving high temperature severe plastic deformation.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing process related machinery.
• Ability to design or modify friction stir tools to support process development.
• Experience in or collaboration with others in physical and mechanical metallurgy and corrosion performance of Fe- and Ni-based alloys or other higher melting point materials.
• Some experience in various electron microscopy techniques and mechanical testing methods.
• Expertise in interpretation and the subsequent analysis of characterization data.
• Internships or other experience in industrial organizations.
• Strong team player and an ability to conduct independent and inter-dependent research.
• Ability to provide innovative solutions.
• Appropriate analytic, task management, and communication skills (both oral and written) to clearly articulate research objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to perform work with the level of quality and timeliness to meet required project and client expectations.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in the company-funded pension plan and may enroll in the 401(k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. (Research Associates excluded; all benefits are dependent upon eligibility.)

Pay

Minimum Salary USD $69,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $119,100.00/Yr. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. Compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. We do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors. At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.