Postdoctoral Research Associate - Redox Flow Batteries and Membranes

Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time - Entry Level

Oak Ridge, TN

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory focuses on developing innovative concepts for redox flow batteries, particularly for long-duration energy storage. The role involves hands-on work with materials and chemistries, including assembly, testing, and structural design of redox flow batteries, as well as membrane processing and electrochemical evaluation. The selected candidate will collaborate with a diverse team and contribute to advancing energy storage science, supporting ORNL's mission to address critical energy storage challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and assembly of redox flow battery hardware components.
• Perform informed modifications to optimize battery systems based on rigorous electrochemical evaluations.
• Conduct comprehensive testing of membranes designed for redox flow batteries.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques to assess the chemical and physical properties of membranes.
• Develop and refine electrochemical methods to evaluate the functionality and efficiency of RFBs and their membrane components.
• Implement methods to investigate failure modes and ensure reliability of RFB systems.
• Present and report research results and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong dedication to the values and ethics of the research community.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• A strong background in electrochemical energy storage, conversion, synthetic chemistry, or related fields.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with redox flow battery hardware build and test.
• Experience with sulfur chemistry (e.g., Li-S or Na-S).
• Experience with CO2 electrochemical conversion.
• Experience synthesizing organic and inorganic active materials for electrochemical energy storage.
• Experience in synthesis and characterization of next-generation materials beyond Li-ion batteries.
• Experience with sulfur electrode and applying interfacial coatings to optimize interfaces.
• Experience using advanced beamlines and analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, electron microscopy) to study material interfaces.

Benefits

• Health savings account
• Relocation assistance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance