Postdoctoral Fellow

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

In this exciting role, you will direct and carry out diagnostic investigations of advanced energy storage systems. You will perform research that will define the fundamental issues affecting rechargeable battery performance. You will study the nature of physico-chemical properties of interfaces, nanostructures, and the mechanism of electrochemical and chemical phenomena that determine the behavior of the electrochemical energy storage systems. This will involve characterizing electrodes used in rechargeable batteries, preparing research publications, presentations and reports, to assure the smooth operation of the electrochemical laboratories.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and apply modern advanced optical and x-ray spectroscopy and microscopy techniques for the characterization, modification and control of model and composite cathodes and their electrode/electrolyte interfaces in Li-ion and Li-metal rechargeable batteries. These techniques include optical in situ characterization methods such as synchrotron-based X-ray techniques, far-and near-filed Raman, FTIR spectroscopy/microscopy, ellipsometry, scanning probe microscopy and standard electrochemical techniques.
• Develop and deploy novel instrumental techniques and experimental methodologies to design and manufacture electrode materials and model electrodes, and study kinetic properties of electrode/electrolyte interfaces at adequate chemical, spatial and temporal resolution.
• Design and perform ex situ and in situ experiments on electrode samples from functioning Li-ion and Li-metal batteries as well as cell model systems.
• Process, analyze and present experimental data including applying computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data and characterize battery electrode materials and interfaces.
• Adapt and combine various characterization techniques, develop innovative experimental approaches and improved methodologies for the treatment of experimental data. This work will focus on developing these techniques to understand kinetic and dynamic phenomena at these interfaces and many of the experiments will be performed at the Molecular Foundry and Advanced Light Source User Facilities.
• Collaborate in the development of new research proposals and new scientific initiatives.
• Participate in collaborative efforts with industrial partners as a member of a diverse research team.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical or Material Sciences with a demonstrated proficiency in the application of advanced characterization techniques to study electrochemical phenomena.
• Strong experience in the use of in situ spectroscopy and microscopy, image processing, data simulation, modeling and numerical analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic data.
• Strong experience in fundamental electrochemistry.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills including the ability to prepare materials for presentation at meetings and workshops.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of chemistry of rechargeable battery systems.
• Familiarity with contemporary scientific challenges in battery science and technology.

For full consideration please apply by April 10, 2025 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, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / 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.
• 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 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 performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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.