Selective Electrocatalysis and Corrosion - Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC

Postdoctoral Research Associate –Selective Electrocatalysis

Naval Research Laboratory

Washington, DC, United States (On-Site)

Description

Overview:
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will perform fundamental research in the area of selective electrocatalysis and applied research in the formation and characterization of cathodically-induced films in seawater. This position resides in the Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering, Chemistry Division, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Projects will include evaluation of electrocatalysts’ activities, elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and investigation of cathodically-induced films in seawater. A background in electrochemical kinetics, thin-film rotating disk and ring-disk electrode electrochemistry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrodeposition, gas chromatography and materials characterization (XRD, XPS, XAS and SEM) will be desirable, but not necessary. 

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Understand the relationship between the electrocatalysts’s activity, surface composition and morphology 
• Perform electrocatalysts’s electrochemical characterization, including evaluation of electrocatalytic activity for two reactions that occur in parallel

• Perform ring-disk electrochemistry of thin electrocatalysts’s films to quantify reaction products 

• Apply in-situ advanced characterization techniques to elucidate reaction mechanisms 

• Perform quartz crystal microbalance measurements
• Perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy 

• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
•  Develop strong, productive working relationships with partnering research groups at NRL

• Perform literature search in a timely manner
  
  BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A PhD in chemistry or materials science or a related discipline completed within the last five years
  • A strong background in fundamental electrochemistry
  
  PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Background in fundamental electrochemistry, in particular electrocatalysis

• An excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English at program reviews and scientific conferences 
• Motivated researcher  with the ability to work independently and in a team environment 
• Ability to function well in a fast-changing research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and learn new techniques
• Background in electrodeposition
• Background in online gas chromatography


Other Information:

Applicants must be US citizens at the time of application. NRL is an equal opportunity employer.

• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.
• Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position.