Opportunity in Energy Storage Technology Development

Zintellect is seeking a candidate for an Energy Storage Technology Development role with the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) in Washington, DC. The position involves collaborating with stakeholders, researching battery technologies, and documenting findings. Responsibilities include engaging with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, staying updated on technological advances, and contributing to reports and documentation. The role focuses on improving electric vehicle battery efficiency and costs.
The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), provides the overall planning, management, and direction necessary for a balanced program of technology research, development, test, analysis, evaluation, and communication, with a focus on providing low-cost, secure, efficient and clean energy technologies to move people and goods across America. Last year, trucks transported 11 billion tons of goods, and people traveled over 3 trillion vehicle-miles. Growing our economy requires moving more people and more goods more efficiently, saving consumers and businesses money on their transportation costs. VTO represents and provides the national leadership in advanced vehicle technologies for the formulation and execution of national energy programs. Innovations across the VTO portfolio of advanced batteries and electrification, co-optimized engines and fuels, materials for light-weighting vehicle structures, and energy efficient mobility systems and technologies are key to a maximum mobility, minimum energy future. In addition, integrated systems analysis provides a critical underpinning of data and deep understanding of the potential impacts of technologies across the VTO portfolio.

ORISE is continuing normal program operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity will be offered as long as Department of Energy Headquarters is able to complete the onboarding process and ensure a meaningful experience to participants. We encourage you to apply and submit your application as soon as possible. Updates to this opportunity will be provided on this page as needed.

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) supports a variety of work to lower the cost and increase the convenience of Plug-In Electric Vehicles. VTO is collaborating with national laboratories and industry to improve batteries and electric drive systems. VTO's Batteries, Charging, and Electric Vehicles program aims to research new battery chemistry and cell technologies that can:
• Reduce the cost of electric vehicle batteries to less than $100/kWh—ultimately $80/kWh
• Increase range of electric vehicles to 300 miles
• Decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.

VTO seeks a talented and committed individual who will engage and learn how to:
• Participate and collaborate with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium and USDRIVE partnership to better understand the Government/Industry relationship. Will participate with key community stakeholders and federal staff to augment R&D portfolio direction and suggest new initiatives to further energy storage state of the art.
• Keep abreast of the latest science and engineering technological advances in state-of-the-art applications pertaining to energy storage. Consolidate knowledge and complete reporting for next generation beyond Li-ion technologies as well as role in novel electrolytes that improve the interface stability and impedance at both the cathode and electrolyte.
• Write and publish technical reports documenting the data, analysis, and resulting insights of work/projects performed.
• Collaborate with National Laboratory and headquarters contractors.
• Participate with other members of the Vehicle Technologies Office in the development of related documentation for assigned activities.

Participant Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by EERE officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Relocation expenses, not to exceed $5,000, incurred in relocating from the participant's current address to Washington, D.C. (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. Participants will receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

For more information about the EERE Science, Technology and Policy Program, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

Appointment Location

Washington, DC

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.