Newman Research Scientist Fellowship

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division invites applications for the John S. Newman Research Scientist Fellowship to support exceptional early career researchers who demonstrate leadership and strong research capabilities aimed at improving energy storage technologies and a demonstrated commitment to related issues affecting underserved communities.

The John S. Newman Fellowship recognizes the contributions and industry advancements of globally renowned battery researcher and the University of California Professor, John S. Newman, developer of “The Newman Method”, a sophisticated approach to mathematically analyzing complex electrochemical programs. Dr. Newman clarified the physicochemical laws that govern the behavior of electrochemical systems and demonstrated how to use these laws to correctly formulate and solve programs associated with batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and related technologies.

Newman Fellows are initially appointed for 1 year, renewable to a maximum of two additional years (total 3-year appointment), and/or have the ability to convert to career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.  Appointments are anticipated to start in late spring or early summer of 2021.  Appointees will receive an annual research supplement of $10,000 for professional development activities and $25,000 per year for supplies.

For more information on the John S. Newman Fellowship, please visit us at https://appliedenergyscience.lbl.gov/john-s-newman-early-career-scientist.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as a research scientist in the Energy Storage Group.
• Conceive and execute research that is novel and can lead to high impact in the area of Beyond Lithium-Ion.
• Perform R&D including milestone responsibility, quarterly reports, and presentations.
• Provide ideas, suggestions, and guidance to colleagues and Group leadership.
• Bring research to fruition, may result in presentations at meetings and publications in journals.
• Participate in professional society activities, as appropriate.
• Help to define new directions and carve out new research areas.
• Contribute to the effort to broaden the funding base for Energy Storage research.

What Is Required:

• At a minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Less than five years of relevant work experience beyond the highest customary degree in the area of energy storage research (Li-ion, Beyond Lithium-Ion, Battery Systems, or Electrochemical systems).
• An emphasis on research fundamentals of battery operation and demonstrated capability of linking fundamental science to the development of better batteries.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, initiate, and execute research projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present information for a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills including the ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment.

What We Prefer:

• Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

For full consideration, please apply by May 7, 2021, with the following application materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 3 names of references who are familiar with your capabilities and research.
• Cover Letter - Describe your background, your previous research experience as it relates to the research proposed, your career to date, and your long-range career goals.
• Research Proposal - Describe the significance and impact of the proposed research and the advantages of conducting this work at Berkeley Lab. Consider the alignment of the proposed research with the research mission and goals of Berkeley Lab and of the Beyond Lithium-Ion research area in the field of Energy Storage.  Guidelines - Maximum of 3 pages (12-pt, Times New Roman).

Notes:

• This is a full-time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1-year Career Track (Term) appointment, with the possibility of extension or conversion to career appointment, based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary is commensurate with 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.
• Due to COVID-19, this position may initially be performed remotely but limited to individuals who can reside in the United States. Once Bay Area shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, work may be performed onsite 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.

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.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to hire individuals who share these same values and commitments.

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. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."