Postdoctoral Associate--Electrochemist
- Butte, MT
- Permanent
- Full-time
TARGET START DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.Applications received by September 7 , 2025 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Montana Technological University, is seeking a self-motivated and accomplished Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research group as part of an anticipated new collaborative research center focused on developing emerging sustainable energy technologies. This one-year full-time position is contingent on likely funding and is renewable based on continued funding and satisfactory performance.
The successful candidate will support efforts that develop solid oxide fuel cells for efficient and resilient electricity generation from challenging bio-derived fuels. The project will emphasize in particular the development of anode materials along with a mechanistic analysis of complex fuel-catalyst interactions. In addition to materials development and characterization, the candidate will be responsible for implementing and utilizing a variety of techniques adapted for in situ, operando, and/or online analysis, including Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, near-infrared thermal imaging, and mass spectrometry, to combine with advanced electrochemical analysis.
Responsibilities will be allocated approximately as follows:
Laboratory Research: 75%
- Develop, modify, synthesize, and characterize solid oxide fuel cells and their material components
- Plan, design, and execute experiments that elucidate detailed reaction chemistry within SOFC cells and materials using a variety of in situ, operando, and/or online techniques including Raman vibrational spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal imaging, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical analysis.
- Develop standard operating procedures with proper regard to safety protocols including appropriate engineering and administrative controls, as well as PPE.
- Install, maintain and calibrate lab equipment as necessary for lab operations.
- Occasionally provide training to graduate and undergraduate students in related sub projects designed by the principal investigator.
- Provide regular and clear formal progress reports.
- Contribute to group meetings and research-center professional development opportunities
- Contribute to dissemination of findings to national and international conferences, as well as high-impact journals.
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
- Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
- 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
- 11 Holidays per year
- 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
- Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
- 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
- Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
- Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.
- Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.