Energy Storage Materials Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Materials Science Division has an opening for an Energy Storage Materials Postdoctoral Researcher within our Materials Science Division, contributing to groundbreaking work on sustainable energy solutions. Berkeley Lab is assembling a Na-ion battery team as part of the LENS Consortium to develop affordable and long-lasting Na-ion battery systems. For this transformative project, we are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our mission of advancing energy storage technology.

What You Will Do:

• Innovate in Materials Synthesis: (i) Synthesize and optimize hard carbon anodes with abundant closed pores for Na-ion batteries. (ii) Synthesize and characterize NASICON-type Na-cathode materials to explore their potential.
• Conduct Electrochemical Testing: Perform electrochemical measurements of Na-ion cells to assess performance and durability.
• Uncover Storage Mechanisms: Use advanced in-situ/ex-situ characterizations to deepen our understanding of Na storage mechanisms in battery materials.
• Publish and Present: Share original research through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate and Network: Work closely with the LENS Consortium team and engage with experts from industry, academia, and national laboratories.

What is Required:

• Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field by the start of employment.
• Technical Expertise:
• Experience in synthesizing carbon-based electrode materials for Na-ion batteries.
• Proficiency in testing Na-ion battery cells and in structure/morphology characterizations (e.g., XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman).
• Strong skills in electrochemical analysis.
• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality technical writing.
• Independence and Initiative: Ability to work as an independent researcher with sound scientific judgment and initiative.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced Techniques: Experience using synchrotron-based characterizations is highly desirable.
• Inorganic Synthesis: Experience with inorganic compound synthesis and characterizations.

For consideration, please apply by December 10, 2024 with the following application materials:

To apply, please submit:

• Cover Letter – Detail your interest in this position and the relevance of your experience.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include a complete publication list.
• References – Contact information for at least three referees (including your Ph.D. advisor).

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $5,562.00- $6,670.00 and is expected to start at $5,562.00 or above.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

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