Postdoctoral Researcher – Battery Materials & Electrochemical Energy Storage

The Materials Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher – Battery Materials & Electrochemical Energy Storage to join the Helms group working at the interface of materials chemistry and electrochemical energy storage. The successful candidate will lead efforts spanning battery materials processing, electrode and cell fabrication, and full electrochemical cell assembly and testing, with a focus on characterizing how electrode, electrolyte, and interfacial structures evolve during cycling and aging. 

Responsibilities include synthesizing and processing active materials and composite electrodes, optimizing formulation and manufacturing protocols, conducting galvanostatic cycling and other electrochemical testing, and applying structural and interfacial characterization techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) — including at synchrotron and other user facilities — to correlate processing conditions and interfacial chemistry with performance and degradation mechanisms. The candidate will work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science, and engineering, and will have opportunities to mentor students and contribute to proposal and manuscript preparation.

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You will:

• Fabricate electrodes and assemble electrochemical cells (coin, pouch, and/or custom cell formats) under controlled (e.g., glovebox/dry room) conditions.
• Synthesize and process battery active materials (e.g., electrode composites, solid-state or liquid electrolytes) using established and novel synthetic/processing routes.
• Conduct electrochemical testing and characterization, including galvanostatic cycling, rate testing, impedance spectroscopy, and related protocols.
• Perform structural and interfacial characterization of pristine and cycled materials using techniques such as X-ray diffraction/scattering, electron microscopy, and spectroscopic methods.
• Systematically organize, preserve, and archive raw and processed characterization data in compliance with LBNL open science and data management policies.
• Plan and execute experiments at synchrotron or other user facilities, including beamtime proposal writing and on-site data collection.
• Analyze and interpret data to correlate processing conditions, structural/interfacial evolution, and cell performance/degradation mechanisms.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, protocols, and results (electronic lab notebooks, data management practices).
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at group meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of chemists, materials scientists, and engineers on shared research goals.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment relevant to materials processing and electrochemical testing.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols, particularly those relevant to air/moisture-sensitive materials and battery hazards.
• Mentor and train graduate students, undergraduate researchers, or visiting scientists on techniques and protocols.
• Assist in drafting sections of grant proposals or progress reports.
• Contribute to outreach activities, seminars, or educational/public engagement events.
• Support general laboratory management tasks (ordering supplies, equipment calibration schedules, inventory tracking).
• Participate in journal clubs, or working groups.
• Assist with onboarding of new lab members or maintenance of shared lab documentation/SOPs.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, completed within the last few years.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience synthesizing and/or processing battery materials (electrodes, electrolytes, or related composites).
• Practical experience assembling and testing electrochemical cells (e.g., coin cells) under inert-atmosphere conditions (glovebox operation).
• Working knowledge of electrochemical characterization techniques (galvanostatic cycling, impedance spectroscopy, rate/cycle life testing).
• Demonstrated experience in operando/in situ electrochemical characterization techniques for tracking phase transitions and solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) evolution.
• Familiarity with glovebox atmosphere management, including routine maintenance of moisture/oxygen sensors, catalyst regeneration, and hazardous waste disposal compliance.
• Experience with at least one structural or interfacial characterization technique (X-ray diffraction/scattering, electron microscopy, or spectroscopy).
• Ability to design and execute independent experiments, analyze data critically, and troubleshoot unexpected results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a record of peer-reviewed publication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental recordkeeping and data management.
• Ability to work safely with air- and moisture-sensitive materials, flammable solvents, and other laboratory hazards typical of battery research.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience at synchrotron user facilities, including beamtime proposal writing and remote/on-site data collection.
• Familiarity with solid-state cell fabrication and testing.
• Experience with specific battery chemistries relevant to the group's focus (e.g., sodium-ion, solid-state electrolytes, organic electrode materials).
• Programming/data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for handling large characterization or electrochemical datasets.
• Prior mentoring or supervisory experience with students or junior researchers..
• Experience contributing to grant proposals or technical reports.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter describing applicant background and interest in the position
• Publication List

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 19, 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: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $84,336 - $94,020. 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 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: Work will be primarily performed 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).
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.