Postdoctoral Researcher - Electrode Development for Fuel Cell Applications

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado and is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, NLR focuses on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions.

About the role

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NLR’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center to work on low/intermediate temperature (90-200°C) fuel cell development. This position focuses on improving performance, durability, and robustness to fuel sources through the development of novel electrode structures. While the primary application is in proton exchange membrane-based fuel cell systems, the knowledge gained will have applicability to other electrochemical energy conversion devices like electrolyzers, separation processes, and chemical production.

Responsibilities

• Fabrication of electrospun electrodes and their subsequent incorporation into membrane electrode assemblies.
• Experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and interpretation of electrochemical performance.
• Exploration of the materials space relative to electrochemical energy conversion devices.
• Investigation of the process space of electrospinning, including how process parameters impact electrode morphology and electrochemical performance.
• Performance and durability testing of cells/stacks.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Experience in synthesis of electrodes for electrochemical conversion processes.
• Electrochemical characterization of electrodes and cell properties through diagnostics such as limiting current and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Understanding of electrode morphology and impacts of processing and chemical nature on structure, performance, and durability of electrodes used in electrochemical conversion devices.
• Demonstrated track record of success in addressing fundamental and applied science questions and devising solutions to challenging problems.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science & engineering.
• Record of publications/presentations in areas related to polymer electrolytes, electrolyzers, and/or fuel cells.
• Knowledge of supporting physical characterization techniques (microscopy, scattering, etc.) is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Pension benefits.
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards that include a monetary component.
• Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

Pay

Annual salary range: $76,600 - $126,400 (based on full-time 40 hours per week). NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees.

Schedule

40 hours per week.

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which includes a favorable background investigation. NLR is a drug-free workplace; pre-employment drug testing is required and may include screening for marijuana.