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Jobs · Analyst · Washington

Sr. Materials Scientist - Solid Oxide Electrolyzer/Fuel Cell

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Richland, WA · 2 wk ago
On-siteAnalyst$148k/yrFull-time

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments called Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or function. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges, supporting the Department of Energy (DOE) in modernizing the power grid, advancing renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and resolving complex issues in nuclear science and environmental management.

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real-world solutions supporting DOE’s goals for national energy security. We develop technologies in energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage, employing a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, scale-up, and commercialization.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high-temperature electrolyzers.
  • Direct laboratory work with the support of technical staff.
  • Analyze electrochemical data and formulate conclusions.
  • Support scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level.
  • Serve as a role model for quality, safety, and security.
  • Author and contribute to scientific publications, presentations at professional conferences, and reports to sponsors.
  • Lead small research teams to fabricate, characterize, and test high-temperature electrochemical solid oxide cells, perform electrode kinetics evaluation, and conduct durability studies.
  • Interface and collaborate with other researchers to deliver on project milestones.
  • Serve as a principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects.
  • Develop and realize new significant project opportunities, including leading the development of technical sections of large proposals.
  • Mentor junior staff and peers.
  • Provide technical leadership in high-temperature electrolyzers and solid oxide cells, connecting multiple technical domains.

Requirements

  • Minimum Qualifications:
    • BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience, or
    • MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience, or
    • PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, catalysis, physics, or related field with 5+ years of industrial or national research laboratory experience, or MS/MA with 7+ years of similar experience.
    • Professional reputation for technical expertise and leadership within the SOEC and SOFC field.
    • Experience as principal investigator on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects.
    • Demonstrated record of publication in top-tier journals and ability to collaborate and lead within a teaming environment.
    • Experience in high-temperature ceramics characterization.
    • Extensive experience in electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells and solid-state electrochemistry, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, current interrupt, equivalent circuit modeling, and distribution of relaxation times.
    • Good understanding of advanced fabrication techniques and quality controls.
    • Ability to critically assess and benchmark electrochemical and analytical data.
    • In-depth knowledge of advanced analytical surface and bulk characterization techniques.
    • Interest and experience in data analysis and machine learning.
    • Experience in catalysis and electrocatalysis.
    • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and works well with deadlines to deliver high-quality, timely results.
    • Strong writing and communication skills.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
  • Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
  • Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
  • Tuition assistance and relocation support.
  • Backup childcare, legal benefits, and supplemental parental bonding leave.
  • Surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
  • Company-funded pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with company match.
  • Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays.

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