PhD Intern - Applied Materials & Manufacturing (10619)

Overview

 

Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a materials engineer graduate student to support corrosion-focused research in the design and evaluation of materials and coatings for aqueous environment. This role involves working alongside researchers focused on corrosion testing, surface modification, and the development of corrosion-resistant alloys and treatments for a variety of applications. You’ll work hands-on with advanced testing equipment and analytical tools to understand and mitigate materials degradation mechanisms across a range of environments.

Responsibilities

 

Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, surface engineering, or electrochemistry, and be familiar with corrosion fundamentals and testing standards. Experience with physical and mechanical metallurgy is also beneficial for collaborating with metallurgists and performance engineers to develop materials solutions with tailored microstructures and long-term durability. The position holder will contribute to the development and deployment of high-performance, corrosion-resistant materials and novel protection strategies, supporting business lines focused on infrastructure longevity, energy efficiency, and materials sustainability. This position supports efforts sponsored by the Department of Energy and other clients who rely on advanced materials to meet national and global challenges.

The position holder will:

• Research, plan, design, and conduct experiments involving corrosion testing, surface treatments, and performance assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop protective coatings, corrosion mitigation strategies, and lifetime prediction models.
• Relate microstructure, environment, and material properties to corrosion mechanisms and service life.
• Document findings in technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and contribute to the broader materials science community.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Experience with corrosion testing methods, electrochemical analysis, and/or surface modification techniques.
• Proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics modeling, especially for simulating corrosion processes, mass transport, electrochemical kinetics, or coupled thermal-mechanical-chemical phenomena.
• Familiarity with corrosion-resistant alloys, coatings, or thermomechanical processing methods (e.g., heat treatment, surface finishing, or alloy development).
• Strong team player with a collaborative mindset and experience working in multidisciplinary environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work on schedule to meet project and client needs.
• Strong analytical, task management, and communication skills (both oral and written), with the ability to clearly articulate research objectives, technical insights, and outcomes.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

 

Not applicable. 

Additional Information

 

Not applicable. 

Testing Designated Position

 

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

 

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

 

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

 

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.  To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

Mandatory Requirements

 

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

 

Regular Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

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Notice to Applicants

 

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.