PhD Intern - Materials Science

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that are referred 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 Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace  our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate seek outstanding candidates for Ph.D. Intern positions working on materials synthesis, separations, processing and characterization. Synthesis and processing will be focused on using both dry and wet chemical processing targeting synthesis, selective precipitation or separations with their autonomous operation. The candidate should have knowledge and experience in synthesis and characterization of functional materials using different physical and chemical methods as well as their characterization using microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopy techniques.

Experience in automation and data analytics and its application in separation, extraction or synthesis is preferred. Programming and design skills are strongly desired. The candidate is expected to perform experiments and analyze data, participate in manuscript preparation for publication. The candidate is also expected to engage in collaboration activities with team members from the Physical Sciences Division.

• Performs materials synthesis, processing and characterization using different methods
• Work in a collaborative team environment
• Prepare report and share with the group

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:

• Enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Materials Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Knowledge of Python coding.
• Basic awareness of AI tools.
• Able to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Able to interpret and work with various materials synthesis, separations, processing and characterization methods.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Not Applicable

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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…