Molten Salt Electrochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform laboratory-based research and development of electrochemical systems and processes within our Chemical Separations group in the Critical Materials and Geothermal Energy Department.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

You will report to the Project Investigator.

You will develop and optimize electrochemical systems for a variety of pyrometallurgical/molten salt applications including metallic deposition, electrochemical redox stripping, electrophoretic separations, leaching and electrochemical processing.

Knowledge and a working background in electrochemical processes in moderate and high temperature molten salt systems in inert environments is required.

• You will be a strong asset to an established R&D team to achieve specific project/program targets and goals on multiple projects within the same area of study.
• Autonomous work and collaborative work taking direction from other team members and peers.
• Writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, project reports and proposals, as well as preparing presentations of research results and presenting them at national/international conferences/workshops/meetings.
• Must maintain currency in relevant scientific literature, meet Environment Safety and Health (ES&H) goals, demonstrate a strong commitment to safe laboratory practices, and perform all work in an environmentally safe and compliant manner.

• Ph.D. in Engineering, (e.g., chemical engineering or nuclear engineering (with emphasis on electrochemical studies) or Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (e.g., chemistry, or materials science, or physics).
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• A developing publication record with demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated experience in molten salt electrochemistry, electrodeposition of metals, from fundamental understanding of reduction/nucleation processes to electrochemical engineering and process optimization and production of electrodeposits with desirable composition and material properties.
• Hands-on experience with inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• Experience with electroanalytical (CV, CA, CP, EIS) and surface characterization (XRD, SEM) techniques.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in either electrocatalysis, spectro-electrochemistry, or computational/theoretical analysis.
• Experience in molten salt electrolytic cell design.
• Experience with high vacuum systems

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment.

The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms.

The job requires operation of job-related equipment.

The employee must occasionally move up to 50 pounds using carts/dollies to move equipment into place.

Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.