Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Fundamental Interfacial Studies on Materials Degradation in CO2 Electrolyzers

Argonne National Laboratory
Location: Lemont, USA
Posted On: 2024-11-11
Apply

This position will be dedicated to research projects aiming to unravel the fundamental interfacial processes in materials employed in CO2 electrolyzers. Experimental work will involve design, characterization, and degradation studies of model interfaces that can help elucidate their structure-function relationships (activity, selectivity, and stability).

This position will involve a considerable amount of experimental laboratory work with a variety of electrochemical based methods (galvanostatic/potentiostatic, AC impedance, and hybrid potential/current control methods) coupled to surface characterization tools such XRD, XRR, XAS, AFM, Raman and FTIR, as well as analytical techniques such as LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS to perform in situ measurements aimed at understanding dynamics at the interface of CO2 electrolyzers. The work will also include complimentary imaging methods including TEM, SEM, and FIB-SEM.

The applicant is expected to think and work independently and conduct research in a highly interdisciplinary environment of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. Applicants will be working in teams and they must possess good communication skills and be fluent in both spoken, and written English. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of initiative and problem-solving in research projects.


Note: bio-related areas are not in consideration for this position.

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field; received within the last 5 years or upcoming year.
  • Strong background in fundamental electrochemistry of energy conversion systems, with an emphasis on CO2 reduction materials and technology, an experience in conceptualizing and executing experiments leveraging model systems.
  • Experience with materials science characterization tools (XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, AFM, STM, TEM, SEM, FIB-SEM), including use of synchrotron based X-ray techniques for interfacial characterization at atomic and molecular/levels.
  • Strong expertise in analytical chemistry for identification and quantification of various organic and inorganic molecules in complex liquid matrices, with emphasis on the ability to operate independently ICP-MS, GC-MS, and/or LC-MS instrumentation.
  • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter with a brief description of their interest in this position, a curriculum vitae with a brief description of research accomplishments and a list of publications.

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Apply