Postdoctoral Fellow for Clean Energy Materials | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Location

Berkeley, CA | United States

Job description

Berkeley Lab's Chemical Sciences Division () is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team in the field of bio-inspired electrocatalysis.

This project is funded by the Clean Energy Manufacturing (CEM) program by the DOE's Office of Science. The goal of this program is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the selectivity and efficiency of (photo)electrochemical systems, with a downstream objective of developing functional, bio-inspired signaling approaches for controlling catalyst reactivity in artificial systems. In this role you will design and build multi-site electrocatalytic and photo-electrocatalytic systems while developing methods for assessing the activity of, and coordination between, different catalytic sites. Design of systems and analysis of results will be done within a highly collaborative team featuring experts in catalysis, photoelectrochemical system design, scanning probe microscopy, stochastic modeling and simulation, and operando X-ray characterization. Collaborations with other solar fuels efforts ongoing at LBNL, such as those performed by the Liquid Sunlight Alliance, are also possible.

The technical scope of the position will require a broad range of technical and analytical expertise. As a result, the applicant, while not expected to have experience in each of the methods required for the position, will be expected to demonstrate a solid foundation of chemical and physical principles along with an ability and eagerness to learn and apply new techniques.

What You Will Do:

• Design and fabrication of electrodes and electrochemical devices using techniques such as atomic layer deposition, thin film deposition (e-beam and metal-sputter deposition), and electrodeposition.

• Work in concert with team members conducting structural and functional materials characterization including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy (XAS and XES), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Some of the X-ray methods will be carried out at synchrotron beamlines such as Advanced Light Source (ALS), Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), and LINAC Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

• Apply analytical chemistry techniques including gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

• Perform test cell fabrication using computer-controlled machine tools.

• Data workup and analysis using standard computational tools such as Matlab and/or python programming environments.

• Work on a team designing a multisite catalytic system using knowledge of catalysis activity and mass transport.

• Quantitative analysis of multi-modal characterization data and comparison to applicable simulations.

• Working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of chemical kinetics.

• Reporting to team members at one-on-one and collective weekly meetings.

• Writing publications for peer-reviewed journals.

• Presenting at conferences and internal meetings and workshops.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science/engineering, applied physics, or related experimental field or equivalent.

• Experience with laboratory methods relevant to electrocatalysis and/or photoelectrocatalysis.

• Expertise in the field of physical chemistry of biological and inorganic materials, focused on natural and artificial photosynthetic mechanisms.

• Experience with nanofabrication methods.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Deep commitment to reproducible research and to team-based efforts.

• Deep commitment to careful experimental measurements, data management, and safe laboratory operations as documented in LBNL's Integrated Safety Management (ISM) plan.

• Strong publication record in scientific/technical journals.

• Maintaining a safe work environment by performing all work within the boundaries defined, and while strictly adhering to the controls implemented

• Striving for continuous EH&S improvement by providing feedback to the above for future work

• Diversity - Employees at all levels of the organization are expected to work effectively within our diverse culture by promoting and supporting an environment in which all employees are valued, respected, and included.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with enzymatic or bio-hybrid catalysis

• Experience with stochastic modeling techniques.

• Experience with automation of laboratory workflows.

• Experience with MATLAB, python or R for data analysis.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by January 1, 2024.

• 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.

• 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 $5,374 - $6,444 and is expected to start at $5,374 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.

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- .

Berkeley Lab is committed to 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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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