Post Doctorate RA - Grid Materials

** Overview*
* At 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 Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy's goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage.

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.

** Responsibilities*
* The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or a related field to support research in advanced solid-phase metals manufacturing and processing technologies, including Shear-Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir processing. These innovative approaches enable the development of high-performance materials with tailored microstructures and improved thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties while reducing energy consumption and manufacturing steps compared to conventional melt-based processing methods.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated candidate who enjoys hands-on work with machinery and experimental systems and is interested in developing industrially relevant processing approaches for next-generation materials applications. Research areas support Department of Energy priorities related to lightweight vehicles, nuclear systems, advanced manufacturing, and energy-efficient materials technologies.

The position holder will:

+ Research, plan, design, and conduct experiments involving ShAPE, friction stir processing, and other specialty processing or testing systems.

+ Develop and optimize processing approaches for composite and metallic materials, including finishing, strengthening, and thermomechanical treatments.

+ Relate microstructure, mechanical properties, and material performance to processing conditions and external factors.

+ Perform mechanical property assessments and characterization of processed materials.

+ Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers, including metallurgists and manufacturing engineers.

+ Document and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

** Qualifications*
* Minimum 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:

+ Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, metallurgy, or related discipline.

+

Experience with solid-phase processing approaches such as friction stir welding/processing,…