Chemist Postdoctoral Scholar

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

In this exciting role, the Chemist Postdoctoral Scholar will direct and carry out diagnostic investigations of advanced energy storage systems; perform research that will define the fundamental issues affecting rechargeable battery performance; 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. These research efforts 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 lithium metal, silicon and other intermetallic anodes, advanced high-energy density Li-ion cathodes and their electrode/electrolyte interfaces in Li-ion rechargeable batteries. These techniques include optical in situ characterization methods such as, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy/microscopy, ellipsometry, TERS, near-field nano-FTIR techniques, scanning probe microscopy, XPS and X-ray absorption, 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 batteries as well as cell model systems. 

• Process, analyze and present experimental data.  This includes 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.

• Develop new research ideas, proposals and new scientific initiatives.  

• Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.  

• Collaborate with research associates, post-doctoral fellows, industrial partners, visiting scientists and students with frequent meetings and discussions. 

• Prepare materials for submissions and presentation to sponsors. Participate in and present results at selected meetings and seminars.  

• Adhere with ETA and Lab safety requirements.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in the chemical or material sciences and demonstrated proficiency and competency 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.  

• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative. 

• Excellent communication both verbal and written and presentation skills.

• 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 Consideration, please apply by Dec 1, 2023 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

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 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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.