Chemist Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Chemist Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Technologies and Systems division. 

Conduct research at the intersection of polymer chemistry and inorganic electrode materials for sustainable sodium-ion batteries. Develop polymer binders, conductive coatings, and inorganic electrode materials; fabricate composite electrodes; and evaluate electrochemical performance and material recovery. Establish relationships between polymer chemistry, electrode structure, battery performance, and material recoverability. Candidates should have hands-on experience in polymer and inorganic materials synthesis, processing and characterization, composite electrode fabrication, and electrochemical testing.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available

• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays

• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs

• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

You will:

• Design and synthesize functional polymers for reversible battery binders and conductive coatings.

• Synthesize, process, and characterize inorganic electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

• Optimize polymer formulations and electrode fabrication to control composition, structure, and interfaces.

• Develop reversible electrode architectures and material-recovery strategies, including debonding, disassembly, separation, and recovery.

• Perform electrochemical testing and evaluate battery performance.

• Characterize polymers, electrodes, and interfaces using NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC/TGA, XRD, SEM, and related techniques.

• Analyze data to establish structure–property–performance–recoverability relationships.

• Independently design experiments, troubleshoot challenges, and refine strategies.

• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers to advance circular battery electrode design.

• Prepare manuscripts, reports, presentations, and proposals; communicate findings to collaborators.

• Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a safe, effective research environment.

We are looking for:

• A recent Ph.D. in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated experience in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, or both. 

• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and characterization, including the ability to design polymers with targeted chemical and physical properties. 

• Ability to purify chemical and polymeric materials and verify their purity using appropriate analytical techniques. 

• Experience in the synthesis and processing of inorganic battery electrode materials, including experience with cathode materials and solid-state ceramic synthesis.

• Experience in fabricating and evaluating composite battery electrodes and battery cells, including electrochemical testing. 

• Experience with chemical and materials characterization techniques, such as NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC/TGA, XRD, SEM, or related methods. 

• Knowledge of the relationships among polymer chemistry, electrode composition and structure, interfacial properties, and electrochemical performance. 

• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and exercise scientific judgment and initiative. 

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment and collaborate with researchers from diverse technical backgrounds. 

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and research proposals.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with air-sensitive synthesis, Schlenk techniques, or glovebox operation. 

• Experience with reversible, stimuli-responsive, debondable, or dynamic polymer systems. 

• Experience in the design and synthesis of conductive polymers or polymer coatings for electrochemical energy storage applications. 

• Experience with sodium-ion battery electrode materials. 

• Experience with electrode recycling, materials recovery, component separation, design-for-recycling, or design-for-circularity approaches. 

• Experience with surface functionalization, polymer grafting, or modification of inorganic particles and electrode materials. 

• Experience with advanced electron microscopy or specialized techniques, such as synchrotron radiation, for investigating electrode morphology and polymer/inorganic interfaces. 

• Knowledge of statistical analysis, data-driven methods, or computational tools for analyzing relationships among polymer functionality, electrode properties, electrochemical performance, and material recoverability. 

• Experience with molecular modeling, molecular dynamics, density functional theory, or other computational approaches relevant to polymer/material interfaces.

For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:

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

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Nov. 6, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: 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.

• Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $7,029 / mo - $8,152.00 / mo  and is expected to start at $7,029 / 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.

• Background check: 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.

• Work modality: This position will be performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.