Responsibilities

The Battery Materials & Systems Group within the Energy and Environment Directorate seeks an outstanding postdoctoral research scientist with a strong background in synthetic chemistry, materials science, and electrochemistry. This position is for a synthetic chemist or materials scientist with broad, hands-on experience in the design, synthesis, and characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and functional polymers. Experience applying these materials in energy storage applications is a plus.

The primary focus of this role is to drive innovative research within a growing team of scientists and engineers on the rational design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and functional polymers. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across interrelated projects, tuning building-block chemistry, framework topology, pore environment, and functional groups to achieve targeted structures and properties such as ionic conductivity, selectivity, and stability.

Project work will include the synthesis and advanced characterization of framework materials and polymers (e.g., XRD, gas sorption/BET, NMR, FTIR, electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods), as well as systematic evaluation of their structure-property relationships. The successful candidate will be responsible for materials development from molecular and monomer design through synthesis and characterization, with the opportunity to integrate promising materials into energy storage devices, in coordination with senior scientists and the project manager. They will also prepare manuscripts for publication, present their work internally and externally at national/international conferences, and develop new ideas for funded research.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, or other related fields.
• Experience with the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and/or functional polymers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills based on a thorough understanding of synthetic chemistry and electrochemistry and the ability to work safely and independently under supervision. Experience in energy storage applications-such as single-ion-conducting electrolytes or organic solid-state electrolytes-is a plus.
• Expertise in evaluating ion- and charge-transport mechanisms in framework or polymeric materials, such as single-ion conduction or mixed ionic-electronic conduction.
• Have a passion for publication to disseminate the research findings. Strong publication record is a plus.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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.

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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 $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $119,100.00/Yr.