Post Doctorate Research Associate - Battery Materials & Systems

About the role

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, 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 Battery Materials and Systems (BMS) Group within the Energy Processes and Materials Division of the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL is seeking a Post Doctorate Research Associate to work on the development of electrolytes and materials for lithium and Na-ion batteries.
• The successful candidate will join a team of over 60 world-class scientists and engineers working on a diverse portfolio of battery technologies.
• The primary working scope will be on the design and synthesis of high-performance electrode materials and electrolytes for Li and Na batteries.
• The candidate must be able to perform in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team.
• Knowledge of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), electrochemistry and materials science, and hands‑on experience with battery material synthesis, electrolyte screening, cell fabrication and testing are required.
• The candidate will work with PM, PI and other senior scientists to advance development of innovative technologies.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers within or outside of the group to identify and understand the working mechanisms through advanced characterization and theoretical simulation.
• Provide technical contribution and leadership through problem‑solving, innovation and creativity, which will include developing, screening and validating electrolytes and electrode materials.
• Conduct ML/AI to accelerate the design of electrolyte formulations and expand the