Battery Materials Chemist Postdoc | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Location

Berkeley, CA | United States

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's () Molecular Foundry Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team. The Molecular Foundry Division leads a program in organic and polymeric electrolyte materials development for next generation (i.e., beyond Li-ion) batteries.

In this exciting role, you will lead the synthetic development of functional organic and polymeric materials that can be used as the supporting electrolyte in battery cells with high energy density and are also capable of long cycle life and high-capacity utilization by managing the chemistry at battery interfaces. These activities will be supervised by Brett Helms and coordinated with those of a consortium of researchers participating from various universities and national labs.

What You Will Do:

• Provide technical expertise in the design, synthesis, characterization, and in some cases assembly of organic and polymer electrolyte materials.

• Develop new concepts for minimizing cell polarization by controlling electrolyte transport properties in the bulk and across interfaces.

• Develop new electrolyte chemistries for directing interphase generation at anode and cathode.

• Collaborate with consortium PIs and Postdocs to understand in depth the fundamental principles underpinning the behaviors of the electrolyte materials on their own and in the context of electrochemical cells.

• Mentor junior researchers associated with the program, while collectively meeting program milestones on schedule.

• Play a key role in maintaining a robust and inclusive safety culture.

• Publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific research papers, reports, review articles; present oral reports.

What is Required:

• PhD in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry.

• Experience in molecular design and engineering as well as synthetic planning and execution, ideally with relevance to battery materials.

• Demonstrated knowledge or expertise in advanced characterization methods of organic and polymeric materials and their assemblies, ideally with relevance to battery materials.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately and eloquently represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.

• Experience in the preparation and handling of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.

• Ability to guide and train junior researchers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge or experience in electrochemistry and electroanalytical experimentation.

• Knowledge or experience in battery assembly and testing.

• Knowledge or experience in sample preparation for electron microscopy and X-ray characterization.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by December 27, 2023.

• 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.

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

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are 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 has a targeted monthly salary range of $6,624 - $7,385 and is expected to start at $6,624 or above.

• 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.

Learn About Us:

(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 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

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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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