Materials Synthesis Research Scientist

Description

Leidos is seeking a researcher with experience in material synthesis and characterization with expertise in mixed metal oxide chemistry. Strong characterization skills are desired for a wide array of techniques (e.g., XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, and BET) to understand the structure and behavior of mixed metal oxides in different gaseous and reaction environments. The selected candidate for this position will support collaborative research with the National Energy Technology Laboratory's (NETL) Reaction Engineering team to develop state-of-the-art mixed metal oxide materials for oxygen production and oxidation reactions.

What this opportunity with Leidos supporting NETL uniquely provides you:

• Working on applied, cutting-edge projects with global impact while being mentored by the nation's leading energy scientists and engineers.
• Real-world experience supplemented with technical development and discussions that provide unique insight into the broad range of mission critical engineering and scientific disciplines NETL leverages to support national energy research and policy development.
• Access to world-class, customized facilities and computational assets specific to high impact energy research, technology generation, and product development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Synthesizing mixed metal oxides using solid-state and other relevant techniques.
• Performing characterization and data analyses utilizing XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, FTIR, TPD/TPR, and others.
• Generating test plans for evaluating material performance and establishing structure-performance correlations.
• Presenting ideas and results to the research team.
• Contributing to future research planning and assisting with proposals.
• Working independently and collaboratively with members of the research team to meet milestones and deliverables.
• Assisting or leading efforts in writing research papers and creating conference presentations.

Required Education, Experience & Other:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 1+ years of prior relevant experience with a focus on mixed metal oxide synthesis for oxygen production and catalytic applications.
• Knowledge and practical experience with state-of-the-art mixed metal oxide material fabrication, characterization, and reaction engineering.
• Experience with material performance testing and data analyses including Rietveld refinement.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in the understanding of the structure and behavior of these materials in different gaseous and reaction environments.
• Experience with the use of multiple material characterization methods, including XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, FTIR, and TPD/TPR.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including research papers and conference presentations
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in materials design, synthesis, and characterization towards hydrocarbon conversion reactions or related applications.
• Experience with proposal development.
• Experience working at/with national laboratories and familiarization with laboratory safety procedures and protocols.

Salary Range for this position: $95K to $105K

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.