Sr. Materials Scientist - Polymer and Composites

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.

Are you an outstanding scientist with an emerging national reputation in the area of polymer composites? The Applied Materials & Manufacturing Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a new team member to support and grow research programs in polymer and composite materials; polymer matrix-fiber interfacial chemistry; resin and adhesive development, composite materials processing; and/or novel processing approaches. These materials may be used as high-strength lightweight materials for vehicles to reduce energy use in the nation’s transportation sector or as alternative fuels that impact material compatibility, such as blended natural gas and hydrogen infrastructure.

The candidate will lead proposal and research teams, develop and propose new ideas. They will provide technical direction to research projects, collaborate broadly with highly diverse researchers, manage project execution, and mentor junior staff. The position holder will participate in the larger technical community by authoring manuscripts for publication and presenting at (and organizing sessions at) national meetings. They will also be expected to originate and develop intellectual property that can be patented and licensed for commercial use.

Expert in at least one technical domain, with the ability to connect multiple domains to develop high-performing teams to accomplish customer project goals. Sought after for technical leadership to select and develop approaches to complex challenges. Uses established cross-organizational network, external peers, and clients to further outcomes. Principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex, and/or high-risk projects or tasks and/or involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations.

Develops and realizes new significant project opportunities, leading the development of technical proposals or sections of large proposals. Takes lead in scope, schedule, and budget for projects or large tasks. Mentors junior staff and peers. Recognized by sponsors and collaborators for delivery on important program elements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience
  -…