Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Fundamental Degradation Studies of Membrane and Ionomers for Electrolys

This position will be dedicated to research projects aiming to unravel the fundamental interfacial processes in membrane and ionomer materials employed in energy conversion systems such as water electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis and fuel cells. Experimental work will involve design, characterization, and degradation studies of model interfaces that can help elucidate their degradation mechanisms and unravel structure-function relationships.

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 analytical techniques for characterizing effluent analytes using LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, including developing in situ measurement routines aimed at understanding degradation mechanisms of membrane and ionomer materials.

The applicant is expected to think and work independently and conduct research in a highly interdisciplinary environment of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. The individual will contribute to the Lab's broader effort in hydrogen and carbon management R&D. The role will require the individual to work with other experimentalists in fuel cells and electrolyzers. 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.

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 emphasis on polymeric materials, with focus on ion exchange membrane and ionomer components.

• 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 LC-QqQ, LC-QToF, GC-QqQ, ICP-MS, and IC instrumentation.

• Hands-on experience in performing experiments inside controlled environments (glovebox) is highly welcomed.

• Experiencewith fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and test them in fuel cells and electrolyzers is welcomed.

• 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

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