Postdoctoral Appointee - Photovoltaic Energy Systems, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to join our Photovoltaics and Materials Technology group. The successful candidate will conduct research and development (R&D) focused on photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, with an emphasis on critical DC electrical components. The work is multidisciplinary in nature and includes electrical and mechanical characterization of PV components, with the goal of improving materials performance and the overall reliability of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.

The successful candidate will be integrated into an existing team of dedicated and collaborative researchers, including Sandia staff across various departments, as well as external researchers at the National Lab of the Rockies, independent research institutes, private-sector companies, and electric power utilities.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Some travel is required. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply field and laboratory measurement techniques for passive electrical components, including characterization methods for polymers and metals.
• Develop forensics methods and laboratory capabilities to advance PV electrical R&D.
• Collect and analyze field data from components deployed at PV plants across diverse geographic locations.
• Participate actively in departmental and project meetings and in industry working groups.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals, at conferences, and in government and/or industry reports.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Physics, or other relevant physical sciences or applied engineering field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-Level security clearance

Qualifications We Desire

• Strong problem-solving skills and interest in innovative approaches and technologies
• Demonstrated project planning experience and commitment to safe work practices
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: materials characterization, mechanical behavior, laboratory imaging (optical, SEM, x-ray, etc), photovoltaic device characterization, electrical instrumentation, thermal processes, high-voltage power systems
• Experience developing analytical characterization tools and test protocols
• Experience conducting field measurements
• Background in photovoltaic solar energy technologies and/or systems
• Proven programming ability and analytical skills, including proficiency with Python or MATLAB
• Desire and ability to supervise students
• Willingness and ability to work in outdoor environments

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

These benefits vary by job classification.

Pay

Annual salary for this position is $100,500.

About Our Team

The Photovoltaics and Materials Technology (PMT) department develops and validates materials and technologies that improve the performance, reliability, and safety of photovoltaic systems for energy and national security applications. Sandia focuses on emerging PV technologies and collaborates with dozens of companies and universities to develop and test new module architectures, tracking systems, integrated power electronics, encapsulants, and specialized coatings. We also develop materials, such as thermally stable polymers, electrodes, and electrolytes for advanced batteries and other applications. Our team applies HPC modeling and advanced indoor and outdoor testing capabilities to evaluate and predict system performance, degradation, and failure mechanisms.

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment. Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.