Experimental Postdoctoral Fellow (Energy Conversion Group)

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division has an opening for an Experimental Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Energy Conversion Group.

In this role, you will perform research and cell studies in the area of advanced water and CO₂ electrolyzers, fuel cells, and other energy-conversion devices. This position requires capabilities in ink preparation, electrode fabrication, design, selection, and integration of constituent material components, testing of membrane electrode assemblies, cell diagnostics including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and design of new experimental diagnostic and characterization capabilities. You will work with modelers for electrochemical model validation, collaborate with industrial and other research partners, explain trends seen in experimental data, and design experiments to elucidate mechanisms. We are looking for a self-starter that is driven to produce high quality research and explore new frontiers in electrochemistry. 

What You Will Do:

• Perform materials selection and design of electrolyzer and fuel-cell materials (electrocatalysts, catalyst layers, gas diffusion layers, membranes, ionomers, and flowfields).
• Evaluate fuel-cell and electrolyzer performance and durability using various DC and AC electrochemical techniques.
• Design, integration, and characterization of electrocatalysts.
• Characterize prepared and tested membrane electrode assemblies using XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, XRF, XPS in order to resolve the structure property relationships in conjunction with electrochemical performance.
• Use and develop appropriate advanced characterization and diagnostic techniques for the in-depth understanding properties of the catalysts, catalyst layer under fuel cell and electrolysis operation conditions.
• Analyze the results to examine limiting factors in performance as well as identify areas of deficiency, propose new experimental conditions, experiment design and testing in order to overcome deficiencies.
• Communicate findings in reports, papers and conference presentations.
• Develop and maintain laboratory equipment to support experiments.
• Carry out collaborative research with staff scientists, postdoc fellows, industrial collaborators, visiting researchers and students.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience with electrolyzers, fuel cells, or related devices at the membrane electrode assembly level.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, electrolysis and fuel-cell related diagnostic methods and materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to author technical and/or scientific writing and present work in conference and review meetings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.

What We Prefer:

• Demonstrated experience in materials characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry in the aqueous and solid state.
• Knowledge of CO₂ reduction cells and testing protocols.

For full consideration, please apply by November 30, 2021 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, 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. 
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes with predetermined postdoctoral step rates dependent on years of experience post-degree.
• Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.
• 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.
• This position will perform work onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.

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.

The Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) works on developing advanced batteries and fuel cells for transportation and stationary energy storage, grid-connected technologies for a cleaner, more reliable, resilient, and cost-effective future, and demand-responsive and distributed energy technologies for a dynamic electric grid.

The Energy Conversation Group understands that advanced technologies for converting energy are necessary foundations for a clean, sustainable energy system.

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 a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

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.