Principal Scientific Engineering Associate (Energy Conversion Group)

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division has an opening for a Principal Scientific Engineering Associate to join their Energy Conversion Group (ECG)!

In this role, you will provide critical scientific and technical support for core experimental research programs in the development of materials and systems for energy conversion technologies in the Energy Conversion Group. A core task will be to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient operation of all essential laboratory capabilities including troubleshooting and resolving complex instrument-related issues, the development of new experimental methods, training of other group members on the safe operation of experimental instruments, and work in support of highly collaborative and cross-cutting projects within ESDR. 

You will be expected to lead in the materials and systems diagnostics of electrochemical systems (including, fuel-cells, electrolyzers, and flow batteries), structure-property characterization of polymeric materials and solid-electrolyte separators, thin-film fabrication and deposition relevant to complex interfaces and electrodes, mechanical characterization of solid-state materials and components, as well as the characterization of polymeric and ionic systems and their interfaces using a suite of imaging, scattering spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods as well as the development of the new stages or customizations necessary for in-situ and operando capabilities.  

You will directly contribute to the research portfolio and critical mission goals of ECG through the development of multi-modal characterization systems, organization of efforts related to experimental planning and data collection at the user facilities, as well as cell-testing, manufacturing, and prototyping of energy conversion devices. These efforts will include contributing innovative approaches for achieving robust, high-performing separators for flow batteries and electrolyzers, as well as new theoretical and experimental concepts for probing and characterizing interfaces that house electrochemical reactions in systems such as CO2 reduction and electrochemical synthesis, realizing them in practice, and evaluating their performance to guide research efforts in the group.

What You Will Do:

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrument issues to ensure maximum operational capabilities within the ECG at all times.
• Lead in the development and installation of new or custom experimental capabilities, including modification of existing or new equipment for multi-modal and/or in-situ/operando measurements
• Contribute to independent and collaborative research that is central to ECG Mission Goals- design, develop, fabricate and characterize materials, interfaces, and their assemblies for electrochemical energy conversion systems.
• Participate in research activities on the structure-function characterization of solid-state conductors and cell testing
• Serve as an in-house expert/first point of contact on product analysis tools and support development of custom test instrumentation
• Train scientific personnel on operating procedures and provide scientific consultation on the utilization of equipment for achieving project objectives
• Assume a leadership position within the ECG Safety Committee; perform work and train personnel in a manner consistent with the lab’s safety culture.
• Act as a liaison between scientists for the deposition and characterization of materials, particularly on highly collaborative projects; in consultation with project personnel, perform experiments in support of the ECG mission.
• Organize and coordinate the activities of personnel.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline and a minimum of 6 years of demonstrated professional technical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience working with thin-film fabrication, electrochemical techniques (e.g., impedance), mechanical and chemical characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative approaches for multi-modal instrumentation and in-situ/operando material characterization tools.
• Hands-on experience working with spectroscopy tools (e.g., ellipsometry, FT-IR) and x-ray scattering (e.g., SAXS, WAXS).
• Experience in safety management.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including experience interacting with scientists, industrial contacts, administrative and support personnel, and managers both internal and external to the Lab.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, including the ability to handle growing responsibilities as projects evolve, to develop experimental plans, and organize and interpret scientific data with good attention to detail.
• Must be available to have a regular physical onsite presence in the laboratory.

What We Prefer:

• Knowledge of transport phenomena and polymers.
• Ability to assemble and test fuel-cell and flow battery systems and perform diagnostics tests.
• Experience working in a research or similar environment.

For full consideration, please apply by September 27, 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, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2-year Term appointment with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 5 years total 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.
• Work will be performed 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.

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.

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 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. 

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