Colorado School of Mines
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.