Sr. Materials Scientist - Solid Oxide Electrolyzer/Fuel Cell

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Richland, WA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

SKILLS

Adjudication, Alternative Energy, Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Benchmarking, Biology, Biomass, Budgeting, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Communication Skills, CompTIA Security+, Conferences, Data Analysis, Detail Oriented, Earth Sciences, Electricity, Electrochemistry, Energy & Utilities, Energy Efficiency, Energy Management, Environmental Issues, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Fuel Cell, Government, Homeland Security, Hubs, Industrial Research, Laboratory, Leadership, Machine Learning, Manufacturing, Material Science, Mentoring, Metal Manufacturing, Molecular Analysis, Multitasking, Performance Management, Physical Science, Physics, Problem Solving Skills, Publications, Recreation, Regulations, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Research Skills, Risk, Safety/Work Safety, Scientific Publications, Scientific Research, Spectroscopy, Surface Preparation and Characterization, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Delivery, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Time Management, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Writing Skills

LOCATION

Richland, WA

POSTED

1 day ago

**Overview** 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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational 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** Our expert staff provides multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). 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. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, and Critical Materials and Energy Innovation. The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a materials scientist to lead research and development of high-temperature electrolyzers made using innovative metal and ceramics manufacturing and processing approaches. This position will conduct research in hydrogen production and contribute to energy resiliency. The position holder will become an integral part of a team that is working to dramatically improve materials performance and energy efficiency. The position holder will lead small research teams to fabricate, characterize, and test high-temperature electrochemical solid oxide cells, perform electrode kinetics evaluation, and conduct durability studies to understand the performance limitations and degradation of the electrochemical devices. The position holder will interface and collaborate with other researchers to deliver on project milestones. The position holder will: + Develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and characterize materials for high-temperature electrolyzers + Direct laboratory work with the support of other 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 contributor to scientific publications, presentations at professional society conferences, and/or to sponsors The position holder should be an expert in at least one technical domain, with the ability to connect multiple domains. Sought after for technical leadership to select and develop approaches to complex challenges. Uses established cross-organizational network, external peers, and clients to further outcomes. The position holder will be a principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects or tasks, and/or involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations. Develops and realizes new significant project opportunities, leading the development of technical sections of large proposals. Takes lead in scope, schedule, and budget for projects or large tasks. Mentors junior staff and peers. Recognized by sponsors and collaborators for delivery on important program elements. **Qualifications** Minimum Qualifications: + BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR- + MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR- + PhD with 3+ year 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 + A professional reputation for technical expertise and technical leadership within the SOEC and SOFC field + Experience as principal investigator on multiple or significantly complex and/or high-risk projects or tasks + Demonstrated record of publication in top-tier journals and an 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 + Works well in a team + Strong writing and communication skills **Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment** Not Applicable **Testing Designated Position** This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). **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; here is your chance to be one of them! 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. **Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity** Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . **Drug Free Workplace** PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. **Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements** As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. **Mandatory Requirements** Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. **Rockstar Rewards** 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 our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 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. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards) **Notice to Applicants** PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. 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. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our 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. **Minimum Salary** USD $148,000.00/Yr. **Maximum Salary** USD $233,900.00/Yr.

About the Company

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

INDUSTRY

Other/Not Classified

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