Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow (Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division)
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.
Position Summary:
Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow. As a Chemist Postdoctoral Fellow you will support the research activities in the Electrochemistry Group in developing the next-generation batteries for use in electric, hybrid-electric, and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles. You will perform research with a focus on synthesis, advanced characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of electrode materials and cell components for rechargeable lithium batteries.
What You Will Do:
- Synthesize inorganic electrode materials and ceramic solid electrolytes 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 that occurs 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.
- Participate in the writing of research proposals.
- Carry out collaborative research with research associates, postdoctoral 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.
What is Required:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or closely related field.
- Deep knowledge of solid-state chemistry and extensive experience in rechargeable battery chemistry, particularly experience in Li-ion battery cathode chemistry.
- Experience with standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry etc.) and a range of characterization instruments including XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC, visible-UV, FTIR, Raman.
- Knowledge and experience with synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques.
- Experience in crystal growth techniques using conventional methods (molten salt and hydrothermal) and novel synthetic approaches; broad knowledge in crystallography.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- 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.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
- Working knowledge and experience with electron microscopy techniques is desirable.
The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.
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 3 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
- This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- This position is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
- 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."