Description
Job Description:
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead!
An opportunity exists within the RSS Contract at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)-Pittsburgh to join an interdisciplinary team developing new sensor technology for a range of energy applications spanning infrastructure monitoring, power generation, and advanced manufacturing. The team seeks a candidate with a strong background in polymers and organic / inorganic hybrid materials for selective methane and hydrogen sensing in energy infrastructure monitoring applications. A number of sensing layer formulations will be explored and integrated with different sensing platforms for low level detection of gas leaks in various infrastructure monitoring applications.
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
Location: Pittsburg, PA
Primary Responsibilities Include:
Synthesize various sensing layer formulations including but not limited to polymers and organic / inorganic hybrid materials. Test the sensing materials under simulated gas streams using measurement techniques designed for optical, electronic, and mass-based sensing schemes. Strong collaborative interactions are expected with device development scientists for optical fiber sensors, passive wireless sensors, etc. Develop sensor prototypes for field validation and potential commercialization. Publications in high quality scientific peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international technical meetings. Development of new intellectual property based on the innovative research. Period status reporting and project reports (weekly/monthly/quarterly/annually) is required to update project managers and clients. This position will require extensive interface with clients and potential collaborative partners, so excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
Required Qualifications:
A successful applicant will have a PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related field of study with relevant technical experience including:
Wet chemistry-based deposition/coating technique development and application for thin and thick films of polymers and organic / inorganic hybrid materials including metal-organic framework materials and nanomaterials. Materials characterization techniques including SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, XPS, etc. Optical spectroscopy including UV, Vis, near-IR, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Experience with optical, electronic, and mass-based measurement techniques including optical spectroscopy, 2- and 4-point resistivity, and hall effect measurements, and QCM. Excellent communication skills and a willingness and interest to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team environment to drive towards overall project and team objectives is also highly desired.
Preferred Qualifications:
Post-doctoral experience in a government-owned national laboratory. Strong background in gas selective polymers or membranes. Experience in developing methane and/or hydrogen sensitive thin film coating. Familiar with gas sensor development for natural gas pipelines and high-pressure conditions. Experience with nanoparticles, nanoporous, and functionalized thin films. Experience in sensor prototyping and packaging for commercialization. Pay Range: