Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist

Role details

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

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We are currently seeking a Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Research Support Team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is seeking a Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team spanning industry, academic, and national laboratory partners. This role focuses on developing gas sensing technologies for infrastructure monitoring, with a development cycle that spans conceptual design through field demonstration.

The selected candidate will work side by side with world-class scientists and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment to contribute to both basic and applied research. Expected outcomes include publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international technical conferences, and the development of new intellectual property.

Responsibilities

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As a Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist, the selected individual will lead and contribute to the development of advanced fiber optic sensing technologies for energy infrastructure applications. Responsibilities may include:

• Fabricate functional material-coated optical fiber sensors for gas sensing of hydrocarbons and blended gases in natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and storage wells
• Simulate optical fiber interferometers using finite element analysis software (e.g., COMSOL) to predict and optimize fiber-based sensor performance
• Modify thin films and sensing materials to achieve highly sensitive, selective, low-ppb sensing layers capable of operating in high humidity, high temperature, and other challenging conditions
• Work with functional material scientists to design and develop sensor devices capable of detecting gas, corrosion, and other pipeline environmental factors
• Plan and participate in field test demonstrations of developed sensing technologies
• Document and communicate scientific results through peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and technical reports
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of researchers to accomplish project tasks
• Create and deliver oral and poster presentations of research results at meetings and technical conferences and workshops

Key Qualifications

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• Master's or PhD degree in physics, engineering physics, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on familiarity with optical fiber preparation techniques, including polishing, cleaving, splicing, dip/spin coating, and tapering
• Experience with characterization equipment such as spectrometers, OTDRs, FBG interrogators, vector network analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers
• Experience with fiber sensor fabrication and testing, ideally in harsh environments
• Experience in device and material characterization techniques such as SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles
• Experience working on federally funded research projects
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus
• Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

Compensation Data

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Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $81,600 – $116,300 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

*Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).*

*Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives.

We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.*

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers