Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Sr. Materials Scientist – Grid Materials
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States, 99352
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
Our expert staff provides 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: Energy Resiliency, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a visionary and accomplished
Senior Scientist
to lead cutting‑edge research in the development of
novel conductive metals
for advanced grid infrastructure. This role will drive new research supporting strategic initiatives at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, energy systems, and applied physics, with a focus on enabling transformative improvements in power grid and electric machines. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world‑class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next‑generation composites manufacturing for a variety of technology applications. PNNL’s research in this area seeks to understand the underpinning physics of material evolution in polymers and metals with fillers/additives subjected to high strain at temperatures below melting during synthesis and to translate that understanding to application in a suite of scalable manufacturing platforms that can deliver materials and components with exceptional performance. The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of
scientific leadership, cross‑disciplinary collaboration , and
technology translation , with experience in either academic research, industrial innovation, or national laboratory environments. This position will be hands‑on with SPP technologies such as friction extrusion and shear‑assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE). The position holder will explore the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure, and performance. Development of material‑and application‑specific processing approaches, protocols, and parameters will be required. The successful candidate can expect to prepare manuscripts for publication, communicate research context and findings internally and externally, and develop new ideas for research. Lead and shape a research portfolio focused on ultra‑conductive materials (e.g., ultra‑conductors, superconductors, novel carbon‑based metal systems) for grid, transportation, and infrastructure applications. Develop and execute strategic research plans aligned with lab and national energy and manufacturing strategy priorities, and emerging grid modernization needs. Mentor junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. Build and sustain collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies. Translate fundamental discoveries into scalable technologies through prototyping, testing, and techno‑economic analysis. Secure external funding through proposal development and stakeholder engagement. Represent the organization in high‑impact forums, including conferences, advisory panels, and technical working groups. At the level of this Sr. Materials Scientist position, the expectations are that the researcher has developed a technical specialization within this domain and is working to grow their external reputation by advancing science and engineering principles and theories; developing innovative technical approaches to solve challenges; building a technical network within and external to PNNL; teaming with others to optimize research; and mentoring junior staff and students. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -or- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -or- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in industry R&D, academic research leadership, or national laboratory programs. Familiarity with grid modernization challenges, energy transmission systems, and DOE or ARPA‑E initiatives. Experience with technology transfer, commercialization, or public‑private partnerships. Knowledge of computational materials design, AI/ML‑driven discovery, or high‑throughput experimentation. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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. Minimum Salary
USD $148,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary
USD $233,900.00/Yr.
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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
Our expert staff provides 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: Energy Resiliency, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at PNNL is seeking a visionary and accomplished
Senior Scientist
to lead cutting‑edge research in the development of
novel conductive metals
for advanced grid infrastructure. This role will drive new research supporting strategic initiatives at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, energy systems, and applied physics, with a focus on enabling transformative improvements in power grid and electric machines. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world‑class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next‑generation composites manufacturing for a variety of technology applications. PNNL’s research in this area seeks to understand the underpinning physics of material evolution in polymers and metals with fillers/additives subjected to high strain at temperatures below melting during synthesis and to translate that understanding to application in a suite of scalable manufacturing platforms that can deliver materials and components with exceptional performance. The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of
scientific leadership, cross‑disciplinary collaboration , and
technology translation , with experience in either academic research, industrial innovation, or national laboratory environments. This position will be hands‑on with SPP technologies such as friction extrusion and shear‑assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE). The position holder will explore the relationship between processing conditions, microstructure, and performance. Development of material‑and application‑specific processing approaches, protocols, and parameters will be required. The successful candidate can expect to prepare manuscripts for publication, communicate research context and findings internally and externally, and develop new ideas for research. Lead and shape a research portfolio focused on ultra‑conductive materials (e.g., ultra‑conductors, superconductors, novel carbon‑based metal systems) for grid, transportation, and infrastructure applications. Develop and execute strategic research plans aligned with lab and national energy and manufacturing strategy priorities, and emerging grid modernization needs. Mentor junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. Build and sustain collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies. Translate fundamental discoveries into scalable technologies through prototyping, testing, and techno‑economic analysis. Secure external funding through proposal development and stakeholder engagement. Represent the organization in high‑impact forums, including conferences, advisory panels, and technical working groups. At the level of this Sr. Materials Scientist position, the expectations are that the researcher has developed a technical specialization within this domain and is working to grow their external reputation by advancing science and engineering principles and theories; developing innovative technical approaches to solve challenges; building a technical network within and external to PNNL; teaming with others to optimize research; and mentoring junior staff and students. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -or- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -or- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in industry R&D, academic research leadership, or national laboratory programs. Familiarity with grid modernization challenges, energy transmission systems, and DOE or ARPA‑E initiatives. Experience with technology transfer, commercialization, or public‑private partnerships. Knowledge of computational materials design, AI/ML‑driven discovery, or high‑throughput experimentation. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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. Minimum Salary
USD $148,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary
USD $233,900.00/Yr.
#J-18808-Ljbffr