Postdoctoral Appointee in Complex Metal Alloys Hydrogen Storage and Processing, CA, Onsite

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We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to probe hydrogen effects in compositionally complex metal alloys derived from earth‑abundant elements, with an emphasis on hydrogen storage and processing. The selected applicant will develop novel materials for hydrogen purification, separation, storage, and compression via high‑throughput synthesis of metal alloys using additive manufacturing and automated arc‑melting platforms to rapidly explore wide compositional spaces. Comprehensive characterization will include in‑situ diffraction and spectroscopy methods, with particular focus on structural refinement via X‑ray crystallography, neutron diffraction, and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis.

This research is driven by the national need for durable, high‑performance hydrogen separation storage materials capable of efficient and reliable operation under realistic industrial conditions, enabling cost‑effective separation and purification of hydrogen and hydrogen isotopes.

This work is expected to lead to publications in chemistry/materials journals as well as applications in projects with national security missions. This research aims to enable rational design of hydrogen‑rich materials by changing the chemical composition and local atomic arrangements in crystalline or amorphous configurations. The focus is on understanding processes governing hydrogen interactions with materials, effects of interfaces, as well mass and thermal transport phenomena.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a large multidisciplinary team, working closely with experts in computational modeling, systems engineering, advanced characterization and artificial intelligence/data science to accelerate hydrogen materials discovery. These research activities have high visibility both nationally and internationally, thus successful candidates require strong presentation and writing skills.

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• PhD in chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, or related field
• Expertise in synthesis of new materials and alloys and their structural characterization
• Experience with alloy synthesis, glove‑box techniques, and characterization techniques (spectroscopy tools, X‑ray and/or neutron diffraction, electron microscopy)

• Expertise in alloy synthesis techniques using arc melting, induction melting, or additive manufacturing
• Familiarity with advanced characterization techniques, such as neutron methods, Pair Distribution Function analysis, small‑angle X‑ray scattering, XPS, TEM, solid‑state NMR
• Experience with materials‑based hydrogen separations, storage, and/or compression
• Demonstrated record of high technical achievement and the ability to conduct creative, independent research
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

The Energy Materials Physics Department is a multidisciplinary research organization specializing in the synthesis and characterization of novel materials for energy and national security…