Postdoctoral Research Associate Opportunity at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id: 13187

Overview

The Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing Group within the Electrification Section of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role focuses on leveraging machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to advance materials development for low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and advanced alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) technologies. The selected candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to innovate in electrocatalyst development, electrode design, and manufacturing processes. This position is located at the Department of Energy (DOE) Battery Manufacturing R&D Facility (BMF) at ORNL in Knoxville, TN, USA.

As a national laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of tackling the nation's grand challenges. Our team of over 6,000 dedicated employees fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), creating a workplace that recognizes diverse ideas and contributions. This commitment drives ORNL’s mission to expedite scientific discoveries and their applications in energy, environmental, and security solutions.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and apply machine learning models to optimize the synthesis of electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions in both alkaline and acidic media.
• Utilize NLP techniques to analyze and synthesize scientific literature and patents on PEM and AWE technologies to guide experimental designs.
• Formulate and characterize electrocatalyst inks and slurries using data-driven approaches. Develop prototype and roll-to-roll (R2R) coating methods for scaling anodes and cathodes.
• Collaborate with teams from the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and H2 from the Next-Generation of Electrolyzers of Water (H2NEW) Consortia.
• Contribute to high-impact scientific papers and presentations; engage in networking and collaborative efforts with internal groups, other national labs, industry partners, and utilities.
• Supervise and mentor students and junior researchers.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote DEIA by fostering a respectful and collaborative workplace.

Basic Qualifications

A PhD in computer science, computational chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry, materials science, or a closely related field, completed within the last 5 years with a focus on machine learning and/or natural language processing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in applying machine learning techniques to materials science, electrochemistry, or related fields.
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in contributing to research proposals, writing detailed scientific reports, and securing patents.

Special Requirements

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within the last five years and must complete all degree requirements before the appointment start date. The appointment length is up to 24 months, with potential for extension based on performance and available funding. Please submit three letters of reference either directly uploaded to your application or sent to with the position title and number in the subject line.

How to Apply:

Login to your account via , select 'View Profile', and under the 'My Documents' section, select 'Add a Document'.

Benefits at ORNL

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Our comprehensive benefits include medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, on-site amenities, and several additional perks:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan