Posting Title
Researcher I/II Formulation and Coating Process Science and Engineering
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Location
CO - Golden
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Position Type
Limited Term (Fixed Term)
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Hours Per Week
40
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Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
Job Description
A researcher position is available in the Thin Film and Manufacturing Science Group to conduct research on formulation development and fabrication of device components via liquid coating processes (e.g., roll-to-roll) for fuel cells, electrolyzers, and other technologies of interest to NREL and the Department of Energy. Candidates who are interested conducting applied research to advance understanding of process science and engineering are encouraged to apply.
Job Activities:
- Plan and execute experiments to study the effects of the formulation composition/parameters on ink properties – structure, rheology, and stability -- and optimize the formulations
- Plan and execute experiments to study the effects of formulation properties and processing parameters of a coating process on film morphology/structure – or optimize a coating process
- Analyze and present experimental findings to colleagues and collaborators
- Work with project teams (including internal and external collaborations) to achieve project goals and meet deliverables
- Working independently under the direction of NREL research staff
- Keeping accurate and detailed laboratory records
- Assisting NREL researchers in keeping laboratories organized in a safe and clean fashion
- Understanding all NREL safety policies relevant to operating equipment and performing work safely
A hire will be made into either a Researcher I or II level, dependent upon education and experience.
Qualified candidates must demonstrate skill in interpreting and assessing the experimental results of their own work and have a demonstrated record of success. In this position you will be expected to conduct work to meet project milestones and deliverables with limited oversight from senior staff and project leaders. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are essential for success in this role. Inclusion and diversity are core values, and you will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every employee.
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry or other related fields.
Experience in any of the following areas:
- Designing formulations, such as colloidal particle dispersions, ink, polymer solutions, emulsions
- Conducting experiments to study formulation properties such as rheology, stability, or microstructure, utilizing relevant polymer/ink characterization techniques
- Conducting liquid-based coating experiments, or optimizing a coating process/processing conditions of a coating process
Background in colloidal science, rheology, or coating physics areas is a plus.
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Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800Job Profile: Researcher I / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-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; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
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EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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