Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

Achieving a carbon-neutral economy in the coming decades requires innovative scientific and technological 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) of rapidly scaling new energy technologies and innovative systems integration approaches that will ensure reliable, low-carbon electricity supplies.

In 2022, CEI established the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship to recruit 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.

Fellowship Details

CEI Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows 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). 

The CEI Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship is a full-time 12-month Postdoctoral Scholar position. The position carries a discretionary research budget of $10,000/year. The 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 $3,000 relocation incentive will also be provided. Reappointment for an additional 12 months is possible depending upon mutual agreement and funding availability. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent by the date of appointment. 

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. 

CEI Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows conducting scientific research will work at the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds alongside world-class faculty from the University of Washington and have the opportunity to receive joint mentorship from partners at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, or a Testbeds industry user. Fellows conducting educational research will work with community partners and world-class faculty from the University of Washington.

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 PV 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 & justice
• Energy policy
• Integration of artificial intelligence and laboratory automation for accelerated development of clean energy materials and technologies
• Integration of renewable energy in grid systems
• Life cycle assessment and/or circular economy for emerging battery technologies
• Life cycle 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, though host supporting letters from any UW faculty member will be accepted.

Application Materials

• Cover letter briefly describing qualifications, research interests, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
• CV including a list of publications, patents, and other relevant products; include only published and in press papers.
• A proposed host mentor, or group of mentors at the UW, a UW-partnering national laboratory, or a UW industrial partner (co-mentoring is strongly encouraged but not required).
• A brief letter of support from the proposed UW host that they have the space and programmatic capacity to support the Fellow’s proposed research program. Letters of support should also be encouraged from the partnering national laboratory or industrial partner if co-mentoring is proposed.
• Research Summary: A one-page summary of the research you intend to conduct when affiliated with CEI, or jointly between CEI and a community partner or partnering U.S. national laboratory.
• 3 required letters of reference along with contact information (name, position, email) for 3 references.
• Diversity Statement: A one-page description of your contributions to and vision for promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form: State law requires that the University of Washington obtains the Disclosure of Sexual Misconduct declaration signed by the candidate. The declaration will require you to disclose any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct, to authorize current and past employers to disclose to the UW any sexual misconduct currently being investigated and/or committed by you, and to release current and past employers from any liability.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2025-26 Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the first review of applications beginning January 21, 2025.

Application Reviewers

CEI leadership, CEI faculty members, national lab, and/or industry staff.