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Posted: 27-Sep-24
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: A-155673-26
General Description
PREP Research Associate
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Post-Doctoral Researcher
The work will entail:
This position involves developing analytical elemental quantification methods with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and analytical nuclear methods of mixed Li-ion battery waste materials (e.g., black mass). This work is in support of the NIST Circular Economy program in the Material Measurement Laboratory. The researcher may also work with industry to research and validate unique lithium-ion battery material characterization processes. In addition to battery recycling projects, the postdoctoral appointee will have the opportunity to work on projects that focus on improving critical materials supply chains.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Collection and analysis of project background data (e.g., literature review, stakeholder engagement).
- Sample preparation for analyses including milling, grinding, and microwave assisted acid digestion of battery waste materials.
- Developing bulk and trace analytical elemental quantification methods of battery waste materials with ICP-OES.
- Developing bulk and trace analytical elemental quantification methods of battery waste materials with neutron activation methods.
- Measurement execution of developed methods, including data analysis and interpretation.
- Preparation and publication of peer-reviewed paper(s), report(s), and/or oral presentation(s).
- Safety compliance following institutional requirements.
Qualifications
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science (those with other degrees but have similar skills to those listed will be considered).
- Experience with microwave acid digestion and ICP-OES.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proven track record showing the ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary team while meeting project deliverables and milestones.
- Highly self-motivated candidate who demonstrates creative and proactive approaches towards scientific problem solving as evidenced by publications and letters of recommendation.
- Willingness to enforce and abide by safety rules.
- Willingness to travel.
- Comfortable working with large volumes of hazardous chemicals and under radiological conditions.
- Knowledge in the following areas and techniques is desirable: lithium-ion batteries, materials characterization, recycling, mineral processing, mechanical separations, nuclear analytical methods.
Application Instructions
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