Career-Track Research Scientist

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) is looking for a next-generation leader and Scientist to join their Energy Conversion Group (ECG)!

In this exciting role, you will have the opportunity to work within our dynamic and diverse team to move the technologies of tomorrow to today, with a focus on the development of materials and systems for electrochemical energy-conversion technologies (electrolysis and fuel cells). You will work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers across the Lab, other national labs, academia, and industry to realize electrochemical energy-conversion technologies, with a focus on hydrogen (generation and use), hydrogen-based energy storage (flow batteries), CO2 reduction, and electrochemical chemical transformations. Collaborating with a diverse team of researchers and interacting with research consortia the Research Scientist will work to leverage fundamental understandings to solve applied technical problems for performance and durability of next-generation technologies. The Research Scientist will conduct materials and systems diagnostics of electrochemical systems (including fuel cells), structure-property characterization of polymeric materials and ionomer membranes, fabrication and deposition of ionomer thin films relevant to complex interfaces and electrodes, mechanical characterization of solid-state materials and components, as well as the characterization of composite materials using a suite of scattering spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods as well as the development of the new protocols or customizations necessary for in-situ and operando capabilities. You will be responsible for guiding and supervising research and technical support staff and students on projects, planning, and executing research tasks and IP development, as well as contributing to publications and presentations, and communicating with funding sponsors.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to and execute independent and collaborative research that is central to ECG Mission Goals- design, develop, fabricate and characterize materials, interfaces and their assemblies for electrochemical energy conversion systems.
• Conduct research in the fields of fuel cells, flow batteries, electrolysis (water, CO2, electrochemical manufacturing), low- and high-temperature polymer membranes, electrode ionomers, membrane-electrode assemblies and related electrochemical diagnostics, materials characterization and testing.
• Execute effective work plans for multiple projects, collect and analyze data to establish structure-processing-property relationships of solid polymer electrolytes to elucidate the underlying origins of material function and integration to guide polymer synthesis, manufacturing and material design efforts.
• Develop and install new or custom experimental capabilities, including modification of existing or new equipment for multi-modal and/or in-situ/operando measurements.
• Provide guidance and supervision to research and technical support staff, including Postdoctoral Fellows and Student Assistants.
• Assemble and test setups for fuel-cells, electrolysis and flow battery systems and perform diagnostics tests.
• Carry out polymer thin-film deposition, fabrication, and characterization.
• Participate in research activities in electrochemical diagnostics (e.g., impedance, CV), mechanical and chemical characterization using various spectroscopic techniques.
• Prepare and deliver written and oral reports for existing programs directly to project sponsors.
• Disseminate research through various technical meetings, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and reports.
• May collaborate with existing and potential funding sponsors, program managers, and technical colleagues at DOE and industrial research partners.
• Identify funding opportunities, and help prepare proposals. May communicate directly with the funding agency and external collaborations with industry and academia working on materials and systems for low- and medium-temperature fuel cells, water electrolysis, electrosynthesis.
• Participate in lab-wide activities on the development of technologies on hydrogen production and use, as well as design and development of function polymers and ionomers for energy systems.
• Maintain safe work practices in the laboratory, ensure safe practice and equipment maintenance, including equipment purchasing and customization, troubleshooting and maintenance, design/implementation of novel experimental apparati and diagnostic techniques, and training.
• Develop new experimental methods, resolve existing instrument issues, create SOPs, and train other group members on safe operation of experimental instruments within ESDR.
• Develop and enact principles fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree (or equivalent training/knowledge) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on polymers and materials used for electrochemical systems and at least one to four years of relevant research experience in polymer-electrolyte fuel cells, electrolyzers and flow batteries and closely related electrochemical technologies or equivalent education.
• Demonstrated experience successfully executing multiple projects in multiple cross-disciplinary fields simultaneously.
• Expertise in advanced characterization of ionomers and interfaces as well as their integration into components.
• Fluency in the use of fuel cell testing, electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques including kinetic analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, voltammetry, and polarization analysis.
• Hands-on experience working with thin-film fabrication, electrochemical techniques (e.g., impedance, CV), and mechanical and chemical characterization techniques.
• Established record to assemble and test fuel-cell, electrolysis and flow battery systems and perform relevant diagnostics tests and analyze the collected data.
• Strong experience in lab and safety management.
• Strong academic record and evaluations.
• Broad technical knowledge and expertise in the field of polymers and ionomers, their integration into membrane-electrode assemblies for cell testing and performance & durability evaluation.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience working with spectroscopy tools (e.g., ellipsometry, FT-IR, NMR) and x-ray scattering (e.g., SAXS, WAXS).
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative approaches for multi-modal instrumentation and in-situ/operando material characterization tools and electrochemical testing capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary team environment, and interpersonal interaction skills with scientists, industrial contacts, administrative and support personnel, and managers both at LBNL and current/potential funding sources.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including writing proposals for federal resources and contributing to publications in refereed journals.
• Ability to develop experimental plans, and organize and interpret scientific data with good attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal instruction, and determine methods and procedures for achieving both near- and long-term research goals.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize many competing deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field and 5 years of related experience.
• Established record of scientific publications, presentations, and impact in the field of polymers and electrochemical technologies.
• Experience with development of techniques, protocols and cell setups in fuel cell and electrolysis labs.
• Experience with thin-film deposition, fabrication, and characterization.
• Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new skills into design, development and demonstration of electrochemical systems (e.g., fuel cells), materials integration, processing and manufacturing
• Knowledge of transport phenomena, fuel cell testing and durability, ion-conducting polymers, polymer physics and chemistry, ionomer degradation and manufacturing.
• Ability to develop protocols for chemical and mechanical characterization of polymers.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a research lead on fast-paced projects, both government and industry-funded, and produce research deliverables on a scheduled timeline of milestones.

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Publication list
• Statement of research experience and interests.
• Names and contact information for at least three  individuals who can write letters of reference

For full consideration, please apply by March 25, 2024.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• The full salary range for this position is $119,124.00 - $166,764.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $135,792 -$150,096. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
• 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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