Postdoc - Employee

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) and Chemical Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have an opening for an In Situ/Operando Spectroscopy Characterization Postdoctoral Fellow to study interfacial chemistry for water electrolysis. The candidate’s research will focus on the fundamental understanding of interfacial chemistry of electrodes undergoing the water-splitting reaction primarily using ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopy (APXPS) at ALS.  

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Sciences Area (ESA) consists of the Materials Sciences Division, Chemical Sciences Division, and two national user facilities: The ALS, a synchrotron facility, and the Molecular Foundry, a nanoscience research center.  This combination of world-class expertise and capabilities provides a vibrant environment for collaborative, interdisciplinary science. In addition to the ESA, this position will be closely connected to the lab’s Energy Technology Area (ETA) which has a mission that includes analysis, research, and development of applied energy technologies from fuel cells and electrolyzers, to batteries and buildings. This position is funded through a Department of Energy H2New program that focuses on understanding fundamental interfacial chemistry properties of a solid/liquid interface of water electrolysis electrodes.  The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate closely with other research groups, both at LBNL and externally, to merge efforts in characterization, theory, and simulations.  The candidate is expected to independently conduct innovative experiments, collect, analyze, and interpret results from the above studies, and draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research using ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopy (APXPS) to reveal interfacial chemistry and potential profile insight of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical reactions occurring at a solid/liquid interface, for example, water splitting on Pt, Ir, and membrane/electrode interfacial stability.

• Analyze data and understanding chemical transformation and corrosion mechanisms of (photo)electrochemical materials

• Utilize and advance experimental techniques, for example, synchrotron-based or lab-based X-ray measurements and other characterization tools to probe chemistry.

• Experience with designing or working with polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrochemical experimental cells.

• Participate in weekly and biweekly meetings and seminars.

• Collaborate and work in interdisciplinary teams of scientists and play a key role in merging efforts that span electrochemistry, characterization, and theory.

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

• Uphold a culture of safety and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other related fields with electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy research focus.

• Background in electrochemistry, and electrochemical measurements.

• Team-work orientation and motivation to work in a team with people from various background and research topics effectively

• Ability to work independently in developing electrochemical systems for in situ and operando spectroscopy measurements.

• Creative and independent problem solver with a track record of tackling research projects from initiation to meaningful conclusions.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in teams and collaborate with researchers of various backgrounds.

 Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in working with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers
• Strong background or strong interest in learning X-ray spectroscopy

Required Application Materials: 

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background. (1 page)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume with full publication list.

• Research proposal (optional, 1-2 pages)

This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by January 11, 2021.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 1 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 4 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

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

• 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.

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. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.