Postdoctoral Appointee – Photovoltaic Energy Systems, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

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*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to join our Photovoltaics and Materials Technology group. The successful candidate will conduct research and development (R&D) focused on photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, with an emphasis on critical DC electrical components. The work is multidisciplinary in nature and includes electrical and mechanical characterization of PV components, with the goal of improving materials performance and the overall reliability of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. If you are a self-motivated and dedicated problem solver, this position may be a great fit. The successful candidate will be integrated into an existing team of dedicated and collaborative researchers, including Sandia staff across various departments, as well as external researchers at the National Lab of the Rockies, independent research institutes, private-sector companies, and electric power utilities.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Develop and apply field and laboratory measurement techniques for passive electrical components, including characterization methods for polymers and metals.
• Develop forensics methods and laboratory capabilities to advance PV electrical R&D.
• Collect and analyze field data from components deployed at PV plants across diverse geographic locations.
• Participate actively in departmental and project meetings and in industry working groups.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals, at conferences, and in government and/or industry reports.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Some travel is required. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM, and the annual salary for this position is $98,500.

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Physics, or other relevant physical sciences or applied engineering field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-Level security clearance
  

• Strong problem-solving skills and interest in innovative approaches and technologies
• Demonstrated project planning experience and commitment to safe work practices
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: materials characterization, mechanical behavior, laboratory imaging (optical, SEM, x-ray, etc), photovoltaic device characterization, electrical instrumentation, thermal processes, high-voltage power systems
• Experience developing analytical characterization tools and test protocols
• Experience conducting field measurements
• Background in photovoltaic solar energy technologies and/or systems
• Proven programming ability and analytical skills, including proficiency with Python or MATLAB
• Desire and ability to supervise students
• Willingness and ability to work in outdoor environments

The Photovoltaics and Materials Technology (PMT) department develops and validates materials and technologies that improve the performance, reliability, and safety of photovoltaic systems for energy and national security applications. Sandia focuses on emerging PV technologies and collaborates with dozens of companies and universities to develop and test new module architectures, tracking systems, integrated power electronics, encapsulants, and specialized coatings. We also develop materials, such as thermally stable polymers, electrodes, and electrolytes for advanced batteries and other applications. Our team applies HPC modeling and advanced indoor and outdoor testing capabilities to evaluate and predict system performance, degradation, and failure mechanisms.

This posting will be open for Application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia’s discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.