Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2025-26, Clean Energy Institute

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The UW Clean Energy Institute (CEI) invites innovative researchers to apply for a number of full-time postdoctoral fellowship positions at the University of Washington in Seattle.  

CEI Distinguished Postdoctoral fellows will conduct research in alignment with our mission to accelerate the adoption of a scalable and equitable clean energy future that will improve the health and economy of our state, nation, and world (e.g. in areas of science, engineering, education, technology transfer, policy, or related areas). 

Postdoctoral fellows conducting scientific research will have the opportunity to work at the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds alongside world-class faculty from the University of Washington, and to receive joint mentorship from partners at National Labs, and industry users of the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds. 

Postdoctoral fellows conducting educational research will work with community partners and world-class faculty from the University of Washington. 

This position is a full time, 12-month, Postdoctoral Scholar position. The fellowship carries a discretionary research budget of $10K/yr. Salary range is set at $75,000 - $100,000, depending on the qualifications and scope of the research proposed by the applicant. A one time $3k relocation incentive will be provided. Reappointment for an additional 12 months is possible depending upon mutual agreement and funding availability. 

Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

Achieving a just transition to a carbon-neutral economy in the coming decades requires innovative scientific, technical, and educational solutions. It also requires understanding the attitudes, policies, and community dynamics associated with economic deployment of these technologies in equitable ways, as well as an assessment of the impacts (Life Cycle Assessment, recycling processes, circular economy, etc.) of rapidly scaling new energy technologies and innovative systems integration approaches that will ensure reliable, low-carbon electricity supplies. 

The University of Washington Clean Energy Institute invites exceptionally talented researchers who have recently received their Ph.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) to join CEI scholars, and their partners at affiliated national labs and industry, in pursuing these objectives. 

APPLICATION DUE DATE 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the first review of applications beginning Jan 21, 2025. 

 

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will have an outstanding record of achievement in areas such as innovative research, education, or technology transfer, demonstrated in part by their research publications, educational outreach efforts, and/or technology commercialization in their fields, and quality of proposed research plans. We particularly encourage applicants with experience in the following areas:

• Advanced Battery Manufacturing Science & Technology
• Advanced Photovoltaic Manufacturing Science & Technology
• Clean Energy Science & Engineering Education
• Community Engagement in Clean Energy
• Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy
• Developing and Applying Data Science Tools to Solve Clean Energy Challenges
• Energy Equity and Justice
• Energy Policy
• Integration of Renewable Energy in Grid Systems
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Laboratory Automation for Accelerated Development of Clean Energy Materials and Technologies
• Lifecycle Assessment and/or circular economy for emerging advanced battery technologies
• Lifecycle Assessment and/or circular economy for emerging PV technologies
  

Prospective fellows should identify a UW faculty member or a collaborating group of UW faculty to serve as a host. It is also encouraged to obtain letters of support from community partners, national laboratory technical staff or industrial staff members.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the list of CEI Member Faculty for assistance, although host supporting letters from any UW faculty member will be accepted.