About the Research:

The Energy Conversion branch is seeking an chemical engineer and/or an analytical chemist to design, construct, and operate bench-scale reactors with in-line chromatography to do systems level research on energy efficiency, conversion efficiency, and production rates for 3 main catalysis programs. The engineer/chemist will investigate reactor conditions, integrate catalyst materials, and construct the reactors to scientifically investigate questions and will enable and perform scientific research in alternative fuel synthesis and reformation related to Army energy. They would be researching the reaction conditions combining electrochemistry, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis. 

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer with experience in designing, constructing, and operating customized reactors using electro/photo-chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis to join our fast-paced, collaborative team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to research of the synthesis and reformation of alternative fuels. You will perform research under the supervision of senior staff and contribute to the future of Army energy as outlined in the Army Climate Strategy of 2022. This position is only open to U.S. Citizens.

We are seeking an Analytical Chemist with experience in working with analytical tools such as gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy, to join our fast-paced, collaborative team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to research into synthesis and reformation of alternative fuels. You will perform research under the supervision of senior staff and contribute to the future of Army energy as outlined in the Army Climate Strategy of 2022. This position is only open to U.S. Citizens.

ARL Advisor: 

Jonathan Boltersdorf
jonathan.a.boltersdorf.civ@army.mil

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and perform research in catalytic reactor systems related to electrochemical fuel synthesis and conversion

• Assemble electrochemical, catalytic, and photocatalytic reactors and analyze products for energy and conversion efficiency analysis
• Develop research plans in conjunction with other teammates

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure the quality and integrity of the research data and analysis.
• Maintain accurate records of all procedures and results in compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with other team members to achieve project goals and timelines.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:

• Expertise constructing and optimizing laboratory-scale catalytic reactors with in-line product and reactant analysis.
• Experience in chemical analysis (e.g., GC/MS and LC/MS) of reactor products with an emphasis on small carbon molecules, small nitrogen molecules, hydrogen, and permanent gases
• Experience constructing and optimizing laboratory-scale catalytic reactors with in-line product and reactant analysis
• Experience assembling and operating Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs)
• Experience connecting multiple pieces of laboratory equipment for data acquisition, experience with LabView a plus
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

About ARD

ARL’s Army Research Directorate (ARD) focuses on exploiting concept development, discovery, technology development, and transition of the most promising disruptive science and technology to deliver to the Army fundamentally advantageous science-based capabilities through laboratory’s 11 research competencies. This intramural research directorate also manages the laboratory’s essential research programs, which are flagship research efforts focused on delivering defined outcomes.

About ARL-RAP

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. 

About Energy Sciences (ES):

Science of mechanical and electrical power generation, storage, conditioning and distribution; energy conversion; and emerging concepts for lasers, directed energy (DE), DE protection and propagation.

A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Three References Forms
  • An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
  • References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
• Transcripts
  • Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable

If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :

• Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL (see Research Areas)
• The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
• Explain the direction you plan to pursue
• Include expected period for completing the study
• Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
• References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal

A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org.