Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Jobs in Colorado

Posting Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Electrochemical Conversion Device Development
Location
CO - Golden
Position Type
Postdoc (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week
40
Working at NLR
NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.
Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.
At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.
Job Description
A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in NLR's Chemistry and Nanoscience Center to work on the fabrication and testing of electrochemical conversion devices with a focus on chemical production. Efforts will include evaluation of CO2 electrolyzers that perform gas-phase CO2 reduction at the cathode and alkaline water oxidation at the anode to investigate how device and electrode-level modifications impact thermodynamic and kinetic levers that control product selectivity. While the primary application is CO2 conversion, the knowledge gleaned from this effort will be translatable to other electrochemical conversion processes like fuel cells, electrolyzers, separation processes, and other chemical production efforts.
The candidate will be responsible for the fabrication of electrodes and devices used for chemical conversion, experimental design, in-situ electrochemical testing, and the interpretation of electrochemical performance. Fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry is required. This candidate will work with a team of experts to scale up novel concepts from 5 and 25 cm2 to 400 cm2 devices, utilizing technoeconomic assessment to establish key performance metrics.
Basic Qualifications
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications

• Experience in synthesis of electrode for electrochemical conversion processes.
• Electrochemical characterization of electrodes and cell properties through diagnostics such as limiting current and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• An understanding of electrode morphology and impacts of processing and chemical nature on structure, performance and durability of electrodes used in electrochemical conversion devices.
• Experience with performance and durability testing of cells/stack

In general, candidates should have a demonstrated track record of success in addressing fundamental and applied science questions and devising solutions to challenging problems.
Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science & engineering.
• Record of publications/presentations in areas related to polymer electrolytes, electrolyzers, and/or fuel cells.
• Knowledge of supporting physical characterization techniques (microscopy, scattering etc.) is a plus.

Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400
NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
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