OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.
The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes.
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing the fundamental understanding of composition-structure-property relationships in multicomponent oxide thin films. The successful candidate will focus on the synthesis and control of multicomponent oxide thin films and related heterostructures using advanced thin-film deposition techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). A central aim will be to uncover how chemical complexity, lattice defects, and interfacial coupling govern metastability, and how these can be harnessed to realize novel structural and functional states. The postdoc will work within a multidisciplinary team and utilize in situ/operando diagnostics, ex situ atomic-scale characterization, and modeling to establish design principles for metastable motifs in complex oxides. This position provides the opportunity to shape new directions in materials discovery with implications for electrocatalysis, memristors, tunable magnetism, and ferroic functionalities.
- Synthesize epitaxial oxide thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and/or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Develop and optimize deposition processes to achieve desired structures.
- Conduct comprehensive analysis of thin film materials to determine their structural, electronic, magnetic, optical, and electrochemical properties. Utilize data from a range of techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS), synchrotron X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy, Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS), Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), and electrochemical workstations.
- Oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the PLD/MBE systems to ensure their optimal operation and performance.
- Prepare and lead proposals for accessing DOE-funded user facilities. This involves writing detailed research proposals, coordinating with facility staff, and managing project resources.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
- Ensure adherence to environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements. Implement best practices for laboratory safety and comply with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and/or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems.
- Strong expertise in epitaxial thin film synthesis and characterization, particularly in complex oxides, supported by a solid publication record and practical experience.
- Familiarity with key materials characterization techniques such as XRD, AFM, TEM, XPS, PPMS, and SE.
- Prior research experience in studying the electronic, optical, catalytic, and ion transport properties of precisely designed heteroepitaxial thin films and devices.
- In-depth knowledge of and hands-on experience with synchrotron-based techniques. Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to synchrotron facilities.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, and data science principles.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists and technical staff, while demonstrating initiative to ensure timely completion of project tasks and deliverables. Responsibilities include preparing first drafts of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and delivering technical presentations at scientific conferences.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentWorking with ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system
Additional InformationNot Applicable.
Testing Designated PositionNot a Testing Designated Position.
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $119,100.00/Yr.
