LLNL is hiring a

Polymer Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Livermore, United States
Full-Time

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.
  • 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.

#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?

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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. 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.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

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.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

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