The Applied Materials Division (AMD) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking to hire a postdoctoral appointee for assessing the chemical and electrochemical durability of polymeric ion-exchange membranes used in electrolyzers. 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 water and CO2 electrolyzers.
The candidate will be expected to perform chemical and electrochemical durability studies of hydrocarbon-based low-temperature anion exchange membranes for carbon dioxide and water electrolyzers, as well as the materials and performance studies of catalyst coated membranes for water electrolyzers. The individual will perform NMR, and other analytical methods, to determine the degradation modes and rate of degradation of the membrane samples. The individual will be expected to monitor changes in membrane conductivity, ion-exchange capacity, solution uptake/swelling, and species selectivity after use in electrochemical cells (post-mortem analysis) and after accelerated stress testing.
Position Requirements
Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and/or closely related discipline
Expertise in ion-exchange membrane testing and characterization
Expertise in NMR, chromatography, and mass spectrometry
The ability to work collaboratively with teams and individuals in other divisions, laboratories, and companies.
We expect excellent communication skills – both written and oral.
The successful candidate will need to present research at technical meetings and publish results in peer reviewed journal articles.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.
Onsite presence is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ability to fabricate membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and test them in carbon dioxide electrolyzers and water electrolyzers.
Knowledge in water electrolyzer catalyst ink development.
Experience in interdisciplinary collaborative research.
Job Family
Postdoctoral FamilyJob Profile
Postdoctoral AppointeeWorker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)Time Type
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