Building your career in energy research what do you need for your first job in energy besides the Ph.D. In chemistry?

Abstract

You were just awarded your Ph.D. degree in chemistry! Your Ph.D.is one of the most valuable assets to address the world's challenges. From your scientific training, you realize that climate change, and therefore greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is the grand challenge of the 21st century. There are compelling reasons for a chemistry career in energy. While the opportunities seem boundless, where are the challenges? Two examples of significant opportunities are battery technologies and plastics managements. To be successful requires development both scientific and professional skills. Energy research provides a unique opportunity for chemists to change the future. Seth Snyder serves as the program director for the Energy & Environment Science and Technology Directorate at Idaho National Laboratory. In that role he leads strategy and investments in advanced manufacturing including plastics reuse and vehicles technologies including battery technologies. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University where he mentors students on careers in energy.