PhD Intern - Nanoparticle synthesis and crystal growth mechanism
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to collaboration and work–life balance. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven postdocs come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
Contribute to PNNL’s goals in understanding the complex systems and phenomena vital to the nation's energy and environmental resources as part of the Lab’s Physical Sciences Division (PSD) and in close partnership with the Energy and Environment Directorate (EED). As a Ph.D. Intern in the Geochemistry group, you will join a talented, multi-investigator team to synthesize various metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as investigate the crystal growth mechanism. You will focus on developing a line of experimental research involving size and morphology controlled synthesize and characterize nanoparticles and investigate the crystal growth mechanisms using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to address critical questions in the areas of geochemistry and energy materials.
The Ideal Candidate:
If you are ready to test your talents and training in Physics, Materials, Chemical Engineering, and/or Chemistry and hone your skills as a researcher at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you. The ideal person has an interest in advancing measurement approaches and applying them to complex problems. Details are below; you do not need to meet all of the preferred qualifications to be considered.
What you will do:
- Conduct independent research and work on team assignments
- Design novel approaches to synthesize nanoparticles and investigate their crystal growth mechanisms
- Strong background on AFM operation, including high resolution imaging, fast scan, dynamic force microscopy, electrochemical and conductivity AFM
- Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff within the PSD, EMSL, and across PNNL
- Contribute as a team member to support publications and reports led by other scientists
- Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature
- Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
- Participate in the development of research proposals
PNNL is committed to diversity and inclusion; applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged.
Email PNNL Recruiter Alexa Williams at Alexa.Williams@pnnl.gov for details, or share this opportunity with someone you know today.
About PNNL:
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college. Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Nanoparticle synthesis and crystal growth mechanism, strong background on AFM characterization.
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. Intern position is immediately available to size and morphology controlled synthesize and characterize nanoparticles, as well as investigate the crystal growth mechanisms with a strong emphasis on the use of advanced resources at PNNL and associated DOE user facilities.
A strong background in AFM characterization; Previous experiences in material characterization using Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and sum frequency-generation – vibrational spectroscopy.
Strong verbal and written communications skills.
The Ph.D. Intern will work in collaboration with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff across the Lab, and must be able to work closely and communicate effectively with experimentalist and computational modeling colleagues. The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools as needed.
Be able to recognize abnormal operating conditions, correct and report to supervisor and warranty provider in a timely and responsible manner.
Provide direct support and field oversight of research activities involving nanoparticle synthesis and AFM characterization; Supervise and coordinate work from multiple projects. Keep accurate and legible operating records associated with assigned job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All BMI staff must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. BMI is an E-Verify employer. Learn more at jobs.pnnl.gov.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via https://jobs.pnnl.gov/help.stm
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.