SOEST Postdoctoral Researcher (Fuel Cell Catalysts)
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
Duties: Designs, syntheses, characterizes, and evaluates the inorganic solid electrolytes and platinum alloys nano particles for the proton conducting fuel cell catalysts. Presents the results in journals, conferences and reports. Assists Principal Investigators (PIs) to maintain and oversee the equipment and the lab safety, as well as mentors the junior employees (i.e. graduate student assistants and student helps). Performs other duties as assigned.
Primary Qualifications:
Education: PhD from an accredited college or university in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical or Mechanical engineering, Nanotechnology, or relevant discipline.
Experience: One to three (1-3) years of experience in the synthesis of inorganic solid electrolytes or solid-state materials, or the development of platinum alloys catalysts for fuel cells.
Knowledge: Strong knowledge of solid electrolytes, alloys and materials science, and electrochemistry.
Abilities & Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present technical information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and by preparation of reports, publishable papers other materials.
- Ability to use and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation relevant to the work.
- Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and contribute to the planning of a scientific research program.
- Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to conduct research under minimum supervision, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Inclusion and diversity are core values, and the candidate will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every employee.
- Ability to work closely with the Environment, Health, & Safety team to follow safe work procedures, as well as to handle waste properly and keep a clean, well-organized work environment.
Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Laboratory Safety Training within two (2) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
Physical/Medical Demands: Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds of instruments or other devices unassisted. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to obtain tuberculosis (TB) clearance before date of hire.
Policy/Regulatory Requirements: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
Secondary Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will also have one or more of:
- Experience in processing of advanced metal alloys, ceramics, and metal/ceramic matrix composites using powder based techniques including but not limited to high energy ball milling and various additive manufacturing techniques as well as post processing for tuning microstructure through heat treatment and thermomechanical processing.
- Experience in materials chemistry including use of synthetic techniques (synthesis and/or processing of ceramics, alloys and/or composites). Familiarity with materials characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy.
- Experience in modeling structural alloys, with background in crystallography and solid-state physics.
Experience with various electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling, etc.) with strong background in electrochemical materials characterization. Additional relevant skills of interest include a strong knowledge of electrochemical interfaces, solid/electrolyte interphases; electroanalytical techniques; synthesis and surface chemistry manipulation of macromolecular and nanoparticulate systems; electrochemical and/or spectroscopic analysis of charge transfer processes and correlation to interfacial chemistry.
Salary: $6,250/month
Application Requirements: Go to https://hr.rcuh.com/psp/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=3&JobOpeningId=224646&PostingSeq=1. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
Inquiries: Yunfeng Zhai at (808) 956-6285.
Closing Date: October 11, 2024, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
