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.
We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
NREL's Energy Conversion and Storage Systems Center has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral researcher. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing materials synthesis and electrochemical testing for long-duration energy storage and emerging materials. The selected candidate will synthesize cathode materials, assemble half- and full-cell batteries, and test their electrochemical performance against different types of battery chemistries. The candidate will also utilize post-mortem analysis of the cells and in-situ Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction.
Job duties include, but not limited to:
- Synthesis of battery cathode materials
- Slurry casting of li-ion battery electrodes
- Fabrication of full- and half-cell coin cells
- Electrochemical testing of li-ion batteries using potentiostats, battery cyclers, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
- Perform and/or interpret general microscopic and spectroscopic characterizations such as SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, CT, etc.
- Analyze characterization and electrochemical data.
- Develop and refine hypotheses by carrying out research plans and interpreting results.
- Publish findings in peer reviewed journals and present research at professional conferences.
- Interact with large multi-lab consortium, regularly attend/participate/present in group meetings and reviews.
Basic Qualifications
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
- Record of publications/presentations related to next generation battery projects.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and documentation skills.
- Demonstrated teamwork, creativity, innovation, and adaptability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Raman and/or FTIR/ATR spectroscopy.
- Experience using and maintaining atmosphere-controlled gloveboxes.
- Experience fabricating and testing Li-ion batteries.
- Experience programming electrochemical test equipment.
- Experience processing/analyzing electrochemical data sets.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
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.
