Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

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

The Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar Employee will conduct experimental work on water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or other related electrochemical devices (including possibly electrosynthesis) and their components in The Energy Conversion Group at the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division of the Energy Technologies Area.  The work will entail membrane-electrode assembly device fabrication, testing and associated electrochemical measurements and materials characterization, fundamental interface and component fabrication (including catalyst, catalyst/electrolyte interfaces, and membranes), integration and simulation. The incumbent will collaborate with research partners to develop and utilize novel characterization and diagnostic methods to identify critical performance and durability barriers for these electrochemical devices and develop hypotheses and strategies to overcome them. In addition to cell level testing and integration, particular emphasis will be on understanding electrochemistry and heterogeneous reactions and component material properties including structure/function relationships across multiple time and length scales with a specific focus on electrical double-layer formation and structure.

What You Will Do:

• Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments to validate for electrochemical devices including membrane-based water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or electrosynthesis devices.

• Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with various electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves and demonstrated capability to correlate materials/device behaviors with electrochemical measurements.

• Work with model cell systems including H-cells and interdigitated electrodes to isolate specific electrolyte/EDL effects.

• Perform basic characterization such as XPS, XRD, SEM/EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM etc. and data interpretation and analysis. Perform in-situ/operando spectroscopic characterization such as surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and ambient-pressure XPS (AP-XPS).

• Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes and coated membranes for MEA devices.

• Accurately quantify and analyze gas and liquid products using GC, HPLC, ICP-MS and/or NMR for CO₂ reduction/electrosynthesis products or degraded components from MEA devices.

• Apply fundamental principles to approach and address complex behaviors of MEA devices.

• Perform multi-physics simulation and modeling for water and CO2 electrolyzers. 

• Work on meeting time-sensitive milestones and demonstrated experience in accomplishing multi tasks.

• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.

• Adhere with the Lab and building safety requirements.

• Collaborate and work with a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds, and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories and be flexible in adjusting research priorities based on project needs.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Work on operando cell designs including synchrotron-based techniques for water/CO₂ electrolysis materials and cells.

• Interact with the LBNL electrolysis, fuel cell and electrochemistry community (with extensive experience in batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cells, electrode material synthesis, spectroscopy, detailed diagnostics, and cell design) to aid in electrochemistry research.  

What is Required:

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field. 

• Hands-on experience with electrochemical devices and/or components such as PEM, AEM or BPM water/CO₂ electrolyzers or related devices.

• Strong background in electrochemistry and chemical engineering fundamentals, including classical electroanalytical diagnostic techniques.

• Strong background in material science with experience in using physical characterization tools and data analysis.

• Self-motived, milestone-driven and be able to work on multiple tasks based on project needs.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as technical writing. 

• Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new fields to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment and collaborate with researchers from various backgrounds.

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative for tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion.

• Experience with advanced characterization techniques including in situ spectroscopy.

• Experience with electrode nanofabrication techniques like lithography.

• Experience with simulation, water splitting, and transport phenomena.

• Familiarity with catalyst synthesis.

• Good data etiquette and management skills.

For consideration, please apply by November 15, 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 2 years, 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 $6,891 / mo - $7,609 / 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. please note that FY26 postdoc rates are still being under consideration and may be shifted accordingly

• 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.

• This position will be eligible for on-site only; work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.