The National Renewable Energy Laboratory - NREL - is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
IMPORTANT:This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Scientist III - Thin-film module testing
2207BR
Golden, CO
Regular Employee
40
Scientist position responsible for designing, executing, and reporting on studies of thin-film and other PV modules, with special emphasis on understanding metastabilities, documentation and prediction of energy yield, and degradation mechanisms. The position will be in the National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV). Pushes our scientific understanding of the PV modules, with ability to take on technical leadership responsibilities.
• Design, execute, and publish studies on thin-film and other PV modules targeting the following goals: o Determine the mechanisms behind metastabilities sometimes observed for thin-film modules. o Quantify the effect that the metastabilities have on energy production. o Elucidate the value of models used to predict energy performance of PV systems. o Review data on thin-film modules (as grown, stressed in the field, and stressed in an accelerated manner) to identify issues and failure mechanisms. o Quantify acceleration factors for key identified failure mechanisms to move toward a lifetime prediction capability. o Compare energy production of various module designs to understand whether there are systematic differences in yield between different technologies or just between specific products. • Discuss research needs with industry representatives to identify opportunities for NREL to better support the PV community. • Work with other facilities, universities, and industry representatives to create standards that utilize what has been learned. • Publish and support publication of results in technical journals/conference proceedings; present work at conferences, symposia, and review meetings. • Follow all Laboratory policies and procedures, including Environmental, Safety, Health and Quality requirements to ensure and maintain a safe working environment. • Provide input to senior staff needed to satisfy reporting requirements for the Solar Energy Technology PV program and the Department of Energy.
Relevant PhD or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines.
Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to design experiments and analysis approaches for probing the physics of thin-film and other PV products and completing technology evaluation. • Ability to apply scientific knowledge to execute standard technology evaluation protocols and suggest improvements to these. • Engage with colleagues in experimental design and analysis to reach conclusions on technology performance; put forth ideas and approaches; and ability to establish rapport for collective solutions. • Demonstrates aptitude for technical problem solving. • Computer skills for creating presentations, word documents, and spreadsheet/project analyses to transfer information to audiences and software engineering skills to develop and use analytic tools for scientific investigation (mathematical and engineering functions). • Excellent oral and written technical presentation skills to articulate and execute R&D plans towards national goals.
• Scientific understanding of electroluminescent and infra-red imaging of PV modules. • Knowledge of thin film PV module technology and familiarity with accelerated stress testing of TF products. • Computer simulation skills for analyzing experimental data and simulating technology performance. • Knowledge and familiarity with PVSyst, National Instruments LabVIEW data acquisition, control, JMP, Igor. • More experienced or less experienced candidates will also be considered.
NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans.
NREL validates right to work using E-Verify. NREL will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please see www.nrel.gov/employment/eeo.html.
