Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Lincoln, NE

posted 5 months ago

Full-time - Entry Level
Lincoln, NE
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an outstanding scientist to join our multi-disciplinary team focused on energy storage research, specifically in the area of high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the development of innovative liquid electrolytes that utilize new solvents, salts, and additives, as well as the design and implementation of lithium metal anodes featuring a 3D structure and protective membranes. This work is essential for enabling stable cycling of lithium-sulfur batteries, which are pivotal for advancing energy storage technologies. In addition to the primary responsibilities of electrolyte and anode development, the candidate will be tasked with characterizing the electrochemical and morphological properties of the materials involved. This includes investigating the interphases between electrodes and electrolytes, which is critical for understanding and improving battery performance. The role also involves preparing manuscripts for publication in reputable scientific journals, presenting research findings at national and international conferences, and contributing to the generation of new ideas for funded research projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science and chemistry, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of materials for battery applications. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, collaborating with renowned researchers and contributing to meaningful advancements in energy technology.

Responsibilities

  • Develop liquid electrolytes with appropriate solvation structure using new solvents, salts, and additives.
  • Design and develop lithium metal anodes with 3D structure and proper protection membrane.
  • Characterize the electrochemical and morphological properties of lithium-sulfur batteries.
  • Investigate the electrode/electrolyte interphases to enhance battery performance.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
  • Present research work internally and externally at national/international conferences.
  • Develop new ideas for funded research projects.

Requirements

  • PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymeric Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related fields within the past five years from an accredited college or university.
  • Demonstrated record of publishing in first-class journals.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
  • Strong background in fundamental materials synthesis for advanced cathode and anode materials for battery applications.
  • Knowledge and experience with the development of non-aqueous electrolytes, lithium metal protection, and sulfur electrodes.
  • Extensive knowledge and hands-on skills in material synthesis and scale-up, battery assembly, and testing.
  • Prior experience with organic electrolytes and lithium-sulfur is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience in a research environment focused on energy storage technologies.
  • Familiarity with safety protocols in laboratory settings.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Telework options
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Basic life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Business travel insurance
  • Tuition assistance
  • Supplemental parental bonding leave
  • Surrogacy and adoption assistance
  • Fertility support
  • Company funded pension plan
  • 401k savings plan
  • Up to 120 vacation hours per year
  • Ten paid holidays per year
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