Battery Postdoctoral Fellow (Electrochemistry Group)

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) has an opening for a Battery Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Electrochemistry Group!

In this role, you will support the research and development effort on next-generation rechargeable lithium batteries for use in electric vehicles.  You will perform research with a focus on ceramic solid-state electrolytes, including synthesis and sintering, cell component fabrication, advanced characterization, and electrochemical testing.   

What You Will Do:

• Synthesize inorganic solid-state electrolytes with controlled properties, such as particle size and morphology.

• Prepare dense ceramic layers and fabricate cell components for studies.

• Use electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, diffusivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry etc.) to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties of battery materials and interfacial processes.

• Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe ion transport and reaction mechanisms in lithium batteries. Techniques may include scanning and transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy.

• Perform complex data analysis and interpret experimental results.

• Prepare manuscripts and reports.

• Publish research findings in peer reviewed journals.

• Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars.

• Review literature and stay current on research in the field.

• Carry out collaborative research in a team environment. 

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of solid-state chemistry and materials synthesis techniques.

• Experience with rechargeable battery chemistry, particularly with solid-state battery research and related techniques and analysis.

• Experience with standard electroanalytical techniques and a range of characterization instruments including XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC, visible-UV, FTIR, Raman.

• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, conduct independent research, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

• 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.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

What We Prefer:

• Knowledge and experience with ceramics sintering/processing techniques and related equipment.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on March 1, 2020.

Notes:

• This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 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 4 years 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.

• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

• 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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.