Staff Research Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Staff Research Associate to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will conduct research assignments in the primary areas of electrode-supported solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), metal-supported solid oxide electrolysis cell (MS-SOEC), and solid oxide refinery cell (SORC) development, in The Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The position is a key hands-on researcher. This position performs research assignments, including experimentation, data processing, and advanced data analysis; proposes solutions to technical limitations, and interacts with external collaborators. The RA will work to demonstrate, analyze, and improve operation of LBNL’s MS-SOFC and SORC technology, and solid oxide cells provided by project partners. This will include cell fabrication and testing, post-mortem analysis, and diagnosis of performance-limiting and durability-limiting phenomena for both button-cell and large-area cell formats. Primary focus points will be electrocatalyst and chemical synthesis catalyst compositions and processing, cell architecture optimization, cell processing, and cell/materials response to the operating environment. 

The research is conducted in collaboration with industrial and academic partners, and as such will be fast-paced and goal-driven, with the possibility of commercialization of successfully developed technology. The position has visibility and impact outside LBNL, via conference presentations, journal publications, and interactions with collaborators. 

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research on Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs), including fabrication and testing of button-cell and large-format SOCs for steam electrolysis and with various fuels (hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, CO2, etc.). 
• Perform post-mortem analysis and assist in creating work plans, data analysis, and system performance improvements. 
• Utilize techniques like GC-MS and Raman to evaluate electrosynthesis reactions (e.g., methane oxidative coupling, CO2 reduction). 
• Develop catalyst infiltration protocols and apply SOFC/SOEC research to MS-SOCs. Collaborate with National Labs, DOE, universities, and industry partners; contribute to reports, publications, and conference presentations. 
• Assist in patent development, technology transfer, and maintain laboratory operations, including equipment and safety management. Serve as a safety lead and support team-based project execution.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Use CALPHAD software to develop thermodynamic predictions of gas and solid equilibrium compositions inside the operating cell test rigs. 
• Use DRT analysis to analyze degradation and limitations in MS-SOEC, SOEC, and SORC cell types. 
• May publish as primary author in peer and refereed journals.

What is Required:

• Masters degree preferred with substantial (six or more years) experience working under limited supervision, or a Ph.D. degree with several years of post-Doctoral experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in and knowledge of: the field of MS-SOFCs; MS-SOFC cell fabrication and testing; electrochemical techniques including EIS and DRT; analysis techniques including SEM, EDS, XRD, and Raman for SOC and material characterization; Pr-based cathode compositions (including PrOx and Pr,Nd,La-nickelates); infiltration of catalysts; catalyst precursor spraying; coating techniques for porous structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in and knowledge of: high temperature electrolysis; electrosynthesis of chemicals, including oxidative coupling of methane, carbon dioxide reduction; and reforming of liquid fuels including ethanol and methanol.
• Outstanding hands-on research capabilities, including fabrication of testing facilities, platforms, and cell test rigs; experience with operating and troubleshooting of multiple cell rigs simultaneously (preferred 5+ rigs); experience with designing and fabricating mechanical, electrical, electronic, and chemical systems; demonstrated ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously in allocated timeframe.
• Experience with GC operation and troubleshooting for quantification of gas streams containing hydrocarbons, H2, CO2, and CO.
• Experience with fabricating and operating steam delivery systems based on sanitary fittings with active liquid level control.
• Experience with large-format MS-SOEC technology and troubleshooting of large cells (40+ cm2 active area) operating in hydrogen and steam.
• Experience with large-format SOEC technology and troubleshooting of large cells (16+ cm2 active area) operating in hydrogen and steam.
• Experience with thermodynamic chemical composition prediction software (CALPHAD preferred).
• Ability to be a prolific and innovative researcher, as demonstrated by strong publication record. 
• Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal interaction with scientists, industrial contacts, administrative and support personnel.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Ability to lift 10-20 lbs.
• Ability to use hand tools.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemical or Materials Engineering or related field with focus on solid oxide fuel cells, and research experience in SOCs (including 3+ years of research experience in MS-SOCs). 
• Demonstrated expertise in accelerated electrochemical test protocols to predict/simulate long-term electrochemical operation of SOCs.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a research and technical lead on fast-paced projects, both government and industry funded.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The full salary range for this position is $89,964.00-$139,368.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $108,927.00-$120,393.00. 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 is 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.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position will be on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. 

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