Postdoctoral Appointee - MSD Fundamental Interfacial Studies on Materials Degradation in CO2 Electrolyzers

This position will be dedicated to research projects aiming to unravel the fundamental interfacial processes in materials employed in CO2 electrolyzers. Experimental work will involve design, characterization, and degradation studies of model interfaces that can help elucidate their structure-function relationships (activity, selectivity, and stability).

This position will involve a considerable amount of experimental laboratory work with a variety of electrochemical based methods (galvanostatic/potentiostatic, AC impedance, and hybrid potential/current control methods) coupled to surface characterization tools such XRD, XRR, XAS, AFM, Raman and FTIR, as well as analytical techniques such as LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS to perform in situ measurements aimed at understanding dynamics at the interface of CO2 electrolyzers. The work will also include complimentary imaging methods including TEM, SEM, and FIB-SEM.

The applicant is expected to think and work independently and conduct research in a highly interdisciplinary environment of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. Applicants will be working in teams and they must possess good communication skills and be fluent in both spoken, and written English. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of initiative and problem-solving in research projects.

Note: bio-related areas are not in consideration for this position.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field; received within the last 5 years or upcoming year.
• Strong background in fundamental electrochemistry of energy conversion systems, with an emphasis on CO2 reduction materials and technology, an experience in conceptualizing and executing experiments leveraging model systems.
• Experience with materials science characterization tools (XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, AFM, STM, TEM, SEM, FIB-SEM), including use of synchrotron based X-ray techniques for interfacial characterization at atomic and molecular/levels.
• Strong expertise in analytical chemistry for identification and quantification of various organic and inorganic molecules in complex liquid matrices, with emphasis on the ability to operate independently ICP-MS, GC-MS, and/or LC-MS instrumentation.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter with a brief description of their interest in this position, a curriculum vitae with a brief description of research accomplishments and a list of publications.

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