Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team.

In this role, you will be in the area of electrode manufacturing science for Li-ion batteries, PEM fuel cells, and electrolyzers. You will work to determine and improve performance and durability of electrodes for all of these systems. This will include cell fabrication and testing, post-mortem analysis, and diagnosis of performance-limiting and durability-limiting phenomena. The primary focus of the work will be to understand relationships among process variables and product outcomes. The candidate should be familiar with electrochemical and mechanical concepts.

What You Will Do:

• Systematically vary mixing conditions to produce battery slurries and fuel cell and electrolyzer inks. 
• Perform experiments using a variety of techniques, including rheometry, to quantitatively characterize slurries and inks. 
• Fabricate electrodes. 
• Perform experiments using a variety of instruments, including confocal microscopy and X-ray beamlines, to quantitatively characterize slurry and ink coatings and electrodes. 
• Assemble electrochemical cells and perform electrochemical tests. 
• Conduct post-mortem analysis to determine degradation modes. 
• Analyze data and develop correlations among process variables and process outcomes. 
• Review literature and identify opportunities to apply state-of-the-art techniques to applied problems. 
• Conceive and execute research that is novel and can lead to high impact. 
• Work as part of a team to execute projects.
•  Interface with research stakeholders from industry and national laboratories. 
• Provide ideas, suggestions, and guidance to colleagues. 
• Bring research to fruition, resulting in presentations at meetings, publications in journals, or patents. 
• Work on meeting milestones and reporting them to project sponsors. 
• Adhere to ETA and EH&S safety guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Attend conferences and project management meetings. 
• Interact with the LBNL electrochemistry community (with extensive experience in batteries, modeling of batteries and fuel cells, electrode material synthesis, spectroscopy, and cell design) to aid in electrochemistry research.

What is Required:

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Experience in conducting and interpreting electrochemical techniques.
• Excellent hands-on research skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to produce research deliverables on a scheduled timeline of milestones.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new skills.
• Willingness to take ownership of all experimental aspects of a project.
• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate with other researchers in a diverse team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Li-ion battery and/or fuel cell and/or electrolyzer research.
• Computer programming skills.
• Electrochemical systems modeling.
• Experience in electrode fabrication.
• Experience with different Li-ion batteries, fuel cell, and electrolyzer active materials.

For Consideration, please apply by February 22, 2024 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

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.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374.00 / mo - $7,316.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,626.00 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be 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 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.

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