Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the development and application of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques and corresponding data analysis methods for fuel cell and electrolyzer materials research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The applicant will work closely with scientists both at ORNL and institutions primarily associated with the US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) laboratory consortia, which aim to improve the performance and durability of hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer materials. This position resides in the Materials MicroÅnalysis Group in the Nanomaterials Characterization Section, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.  

The research you will conduct will focus on advancing experimental and data analysis methods for aberration-corrected STEM imaging and spectroscopy of fuel cell and electrolyzer materials, including platinum group metal-based and platinum group metal-free materials, with the goal of revealing unique structural and compositional information. These methods will, for example, enable automated acquisition and analysis of large data sets to provide robust statistics with reduced measurement bias. Independent and motivated candidates capable of generating novel ideas, planning and executing appropriate experiments, and extracting meaningful results through innovative analysis methods are encouraged to apply. A successful candidate should have a strong demonstrated background in both aberration-corrected STEM and coding for data analysis.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research to advance and develop experimental and data analysis methods for aberration-corrected STEM imaging and spectroscopy of hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer materials
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Present results at international scientific conferences and at HFTO consortia meetings

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing high-resolution aberration-corrected STEM imaging and spectroscopy.
• Strong demonstrated background in coding for data analysis using Python, MATLAB, etc.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research shown by a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Additional Information:

• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov.  Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.