Position Title

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mechanical Engineering, Braun Team

Tagline

Engineering a world of possibilities

Job Summary

This position offers a unique opportunity to work across device scales with both fundamental and applied experimental characterization of high temperature electrochemical cells and stacks. The position is within Dr. Rob Braun’s Advanced Energy Systems Group. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, build, and commissioning of experimental test rigs for fuel cells and electrolyzer test setups. Approximately half of the role will focus on electrochemical stack test rigs and the other half on single-cell apparatus. An additional task opportunity will be the development of a 50-kW microgrid, working with the design, setup, and control of multiple devices. The position is well-suited for candidates with strong high temperature electrochemical testing and systems expertise who are also eager to bridge scales, build novel test rigs, and exercise rigorous experimental methods and data analysis when developing and carrying out experimental test campaigns.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the effort to design, build and commission flex-fueled fuel cell stack test rig for unattended operation
• Lead or assist in the effort to design, build, and commission a multi-button cell test stand for unattended operation
• Assist with the design/build of a 50-kE microgrid
• Assist in the building of reversible electrochemical stack for testing in the laboratory, and build the balance of stack equipment as needed
• Lead the development and execution of test plans
• Gather polarization data, perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy runs and analyze both V-j polarization and EIS data.
• Develop and publish high impact journal papers

Additional Responsibilities

• Document and present the results of experimental efforts
• Develop and document the standard operating procedures for the stack testing
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with knowledge of electrochemistry
• 3+ years of experience modeling and simulating electrochemical systems
• 2+ years of experience working in a laboratory, dealing with EIS, compressed flammable gases, high-temperature and high-pressure fittings, electrochemical components
• Knowledge of process simulation software such as gPROMS Process/Aspen HYSYS

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of LabVIEW and communication protocols (RS232/RS485/Ethernet) is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Work in a lab environment
• May require use of personal protective equipment such as masks, exam gloves, and lab coats

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards

• Typical laboratory environment hazards
• Dealing with compressed and flammable gases (hydrogen) and cryogenic liquid (liquid nitrogen)
• Working with high-temperature insulation materials (e.g.: alumina wool)

Total Rewards

$60,000 annual salary rate

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options (receive at a minimum with employee only coverage, $10,308 in medical benefits until July 1, 2026)
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution (you will receive 12% from Mines in a MDCP averaging $8,640 a year)
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail transportation

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following:

• CV including publication list
• Letter of interest

Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any questions at kfeighny@mines.edu.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Institutional Note

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com