Polymer Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher - Security Clearance Required

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$113,760 Annually

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in the development of next-generation polymer electrolytes for applications in electrochemical devices.

You will actively participate in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing polymeric electrolytes, specifically anion exchange polymer electrolytes.

Your work will involve designing and synthesizing functional photoresists for high throughput screening, formulating, and electrochemical characterization.

Front-end characterizations expected include compositional validation, reaction kinetics for various photo-polymerization processes, and traditional polymer membrane analysis.

Within a multi-disciplinary team, you will provide chemical insight to design and execute experiments related to degradation of anion exchange polymers both through ex-situ aging and under operando conditions with applied electric fields.

This position is in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security group within the Materials Science Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Conduct research in anion exchange polymer electrolyte design, synthesis and testing, including characterization of physiochemical properties and performance degradation.
• Formulate, synthesize and characterize advanced or unique polymer materials for direct ink write (DIW) based screening systems.
• Characterize composition, curing, and membrane structure properties.
• Develop ex-situ and operando protocols for materials degradation and associated characterization such as NMR, SAXS, HPLC to determine dominant degradation pathways.
• Conduct high-throughput experimentation to assist predictive models for developing highly durable and highly conductive anion exchange polymer electrolytes.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary and multi-institution team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Maintain laboratory protocols and best safety practices.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals; and present results within the DOE community, at project team meetings, and at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires either no security clearance, or a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level or Q-level clearance depending on the particular assignment.
• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience with synthesis of polymers and membrane materials.
• Experience with degradation mechanisms and characterization of polymers and membrane materials
• Knowledge and experience in one or more key areas : electrolyzers, anion exchange polymer electrolytes, in situ characterization, advanced manufacturing, and / or materials synthesis.
• Ability as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
• Ability to develop and execute independent research projects as documented through a strong publication record of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to allow effective collaboration in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with the chemistry, materials, and systems relevant to synthesis, design, and characterization of anion exchange polymer electrolytes.
• Experience with conventional analytical techniques (NMR, GC, MS, HPLC, SAXS, SEM, XRD, etc.) and synchrotron advanced characterization methods.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3-D printing.
• Experience with full cell electrochemical device testing.
• Experience in electrochemical degradation and aging studies.

Additional Information

LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https : / / www.llnl.gov / diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https : / / www.llnl.gov / diversity / our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https : / / www.llnl.gov / diversity / employee-engagement

Security Clearance

This position requires either no security clearance, or a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level or Q-level clearance depending on the particular assignment.

If you are selected and a security clearance is required, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter.

Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. L and Q-level clearances require U.S. citizenship.

If no security clearance is required, but your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.

This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and / or laboratory mobile device in your possession.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.

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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

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