Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work in the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division. You will support the research programs in the Electrochemistry Group aiming to develop next-generation batteries for use in electric vehicles. You will work with dynamic teams in multi-organizational consortia and carry out research activities focusing on synthesis, characterization and optimization of advanced cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

What You Will Do:

• Design and synthesize oxide and oxyfluoride cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries.
• Use electrochemical techniques such as cell cycling tests, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties of battery materials, phase transformations, and the interfacial phenomena occur between the electrode and electrolyte.
• Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe key phenomena and reactions occurring during battery operation, particularly the use of electron microscopic and synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques. Other techniques may include x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis, visible-UV, infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
• Perform complex data analysis and interpret experimental results.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer reviewed technical journals and conferences; and stay current on recent research in the field by reading published literature.
• Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars.
• Carry out collaborative research with research associates, post-doctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) as well as colleagues in other national labs and universities.
• Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Participate in research proposal writing.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Deep knowledge of solid-state chemistry and rechargeable lithium battery chemistry, particularly knowledge of Li-ion battery cathode chemistry.
• Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry etc.), and a range of characterization instruments such as XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC, visible-UV, FTIR, Raman, and synchrotron-related spectroscopy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, conduct independent research and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate with other researchers in a diverse team environment.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques.

For consideration, please apply 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, 2 years, 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / mo or above. 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 and/or related research experience.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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