Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 2 days ago
Sr. Materials Scientist – Grid Materials
Richland, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$148K/yr - $234K/yr
3+ years expPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on solving the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. They are seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead research in developing novel conductive metals for advanced grid infrastructure, driving initiatives at the intersection of materials science and energy systems.
Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity
Responsibilities
Lead and shape a research portfolio focused on ultra-conductive materials (e.g., ultra-conductors, superconductors, novel carbon-based metal systems) for grid, transportation, and infrastructure applications
Develop and execute strategic research plans aligned with lab and national energy and manufacturing strategy priorities, and emerging grid modernization needs
Mentor junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence
Build and sustain collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies
Translate fundamental discoveries into scalable technologies through prototyping, testing, and techno-economic analysis
Secure external funding through proposal development and stakeholder engagement
Represent the organization in high-impact forums, including conferences, advisory panels, and technical working groups
Qualification
Required
BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience
Preferred
Prior experience in industry R&D, academic research leadership, or national laboratory programs
Familiarity with grid modernization challenges, energy transmission systems, and DOE or ARPA-E initiatives
Experience with technology transfer, commercialization, or public-private partnerships
Knowledge of computational materials design, AI/ML-driven discovery, or high-throughput experimentation
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Robust telehealth care options
Several mental health benefits
Free wellness coaching
Health savings account
Flexible spending accounts
Basic life insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Business travel insurance
Tuition assistance
Relocation
Backup childcare
Legal benefits
Supplemental parental bonding leave
Surrogacy and adoption assistance
Fertility support
Company-funded pension plan
401 (k) savings plan with company match
Up to 120 vacation hours per year
Ten paid holidays per year
Company
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates as a government research laboratory.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (186)
2024 (167)
2023 (182)
2022 (202)
2021 (147)
2020 (136)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2022-07-14Grant
2018-07-16Grant
Leadership Team
Allison Campbell
Associate Laboratory Director for Earth and Biological Sciences
Deborah Gracio
Associate Laboratory Director of National Security
Recent News
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
2026-01-03
2025-12-11
2025-12-10
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