OverviewOur expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
ResponsibilitiesPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Institute for Integrated Catalysis (IIC) represent scientific and engineering leadership in catalysis research for the nation and world, serving a wide variety of federal and commercial clients. PNNL’s Advanced Energy Systems Group has several openings for a PhD Intern position supporting heterogeneous catalyst and electrocatalyst development and testing across a range of decarbonization and environmental applications including biofuels, wastewater treatment, and hydrogen production.
The successful PhD intern candidate will work with project teams to perform heterogenous catalyst synthesis and evaluations, pursue structural and functional understandings of the catalysts using a suite of state-of- the-art instruments, and collaborate with staff performing the corresponding process development and techno-economic analysis. Designing new multi-functional catalytic process for the efficient upgrading of bio- or waste-derived feedstocks into fuels and chemicals is an important area of research and development at PNNL. The candidate will support research areas in the field of catalysis which could includes: 1) biofuel production, 2) biogenic and synthetic polymer upcycling, 3) sea and wastewater electrolysis, and 4) CO2 electroreductions. Within the biofuels area, typical reactions include (de)hydrogenations and (de)carboxylations. Within the polymer upcycling area, typical reactions include catalyzed hydrogenation and oxidation reactions. Within the sea and wastewater electrolysis, typical reactions include hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and chlorine evolution reactions. Within the CO2 area, typical reactions include CO2 electrocatalytic reductions and additions.
The successful candidate will also:
- Interact, communicate, and tackle problems with a diverse team of research staff
- Be able to take initiative and work independently when needed
- Contribute to manuscript development for the peer-reviewed scientific literature
- Present research at conferences and project review meetings
- Participate in the development of research proposals
- Train and mentor other interns
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.
- Experience in heterogenous catalyst synthesis, characterization, and testing.
- Experience with electrocatalysts and electrochemical cell design and testing.
- Experience performing batch and flow reactions as well as performing kinetic studies to determine reaction orders and activation energies.
- Experience with spectroscopic tools (e.g., FTIR, NMR) for the characterization of catalytic materials.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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 RewardsRegular Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Temporary Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
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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 $22.93/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $35.00/Hr.
