PhD Intern - Battery Materials & Systems at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Richland, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

24 Feb, 26

Salary

35.3

Posted On

26 Nov, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Chemistry, Material Science, Electrochemistry, Engineering, AI, Machine Learning, Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, Electrode Materials Development, Cell Testing

Industry

Research Services

Description

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 Battery Materials & Systems Group within the Energy and Environment Directorate at PNNL is currently hiring a highly motivated and skilled intern to join our dynamic team for the summer to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of energy storage, assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Knowledge and experience of chemistry and material science will be preferred to consider. The candidate in material, chemistry, electrochemistry, engineering background is encouraged. The successful candidate will work closely with our research team to develop innovative solutions to enhance energy storage technologies, which are critical for advancing renewable energy systems. Responsibilities: Applies basic theories to well defined tasks with minimal oversight. Requires conceptual knowledge of scientific or engineering theories, practices, and procedures within specialization. Collaborate with research teams to design and implement AI and ML models for predicting and optimizing energy storage performance. Participate in the development and testing of algorithms for real-time control and monitoring of energy storage units. Receives instruction on required tasks and reports on time, while working under guidance from experienced staff. Communicates deliverable progress to the team. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college. Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Preferred Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a program in chemistry, chemical engineering, or computer science, or a related field with a focus on AI/ML. Programming skills in Python, or similar languages, and experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch. Prior research experience in energy storage systems is a plus. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Knowledge and experience of electrode materials development and cell test. Demonstrated ability to work independently and safely. Excellent oral and written communications skills are required. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people 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! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. 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. 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. Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements 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. Rockstar Rewards Regular Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met. Temporary Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. Minimum Salary USD $23.53/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $35.30/Hr.

Responsibilities

The intern will collaborate with research teams to design and implement AI and ML models for predicting and optimizing energy storage performance. They will also participate in the development and testing of algorithms for real-time control and monitoring of energy storage units.