Postdoctoral Fellow (Energy Storage Group)

Berkeley Lab's Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Energy Storage Group!

In this role, you will direct and carry out diagnostic investigations of advanced energy storage systems. Specifically, you will define the fundamental issues affecting rechargeable battery performance, study the nature of physico-chemical properties of interfaces, nanostructures, and the mechanism of electrochemical and chemical phenomena that determine the behavior of the electrochemical energy storage systems. Additionally, you will characterize electrodes used in rechargeable batteries, prepare research publications, presentations and reports while assuring the smooth operation of the electrochemical laboratories.

What You Will Do:

Develop and apply modern advanced optical and x-ray spectroscopy and microscopy techniques for the characterization, modification and control of Li anodes and their electrode/electrolyte interfaces in rechargeable batteries.

Use a variety of techniques including optical in situ characterization methods such as, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy/microscopy, ellipsometry, TERS, near-field nanoFTIR techniques, scanning probe microscopy, XPS and X-ray absorption, and standard electrochemical techniques.

Develop and deploy novel instrumental techniques and experimental methodologies to study kinetic properties of electrode/electrolyte interfaces at adequate chemical, special and temporal resolution.

Design and perform ex situ and in situ experiments on electrode samples from functioning Li-metal batteries as well as cell model systems.

Carry out collaborative research with research associates, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and students with frequent meetings and discussions.

Process, analyze and present experimental data.

Collaborate in the development of new research proposals and new scientific initiatives.

Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.

Participate in and present results at selected meetings and seminars.

What is Required:

Recent Ph.D. in Chemical or Material Sciences and demonstrated experience in the application of advanced characterization techniques to study electrochemical phenomena.

Strong experience in the use of in situ spectroscopy and microscopy, image processing, data simulation, modeling and numerical analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic data.

Strong experience in fundamental electrochemistry.

Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare materials for presentation at meetings and workshops.

Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the 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.

What We Prefer:

Knowledge of chemistry of rechargeable battery systems.

Familiarity with contemporary scientific challenges in battery science and technology.

For full consideration, please apply by January 1, 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, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 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.

Salaries for postdoctoral positions depend on years of experience post-degree and are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

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

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:

(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 ( ) 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.

Berkeley Lab's Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community. For more information, please visit our site and our site.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability and strives to hire individuals who share these same values and commitments.

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. Click to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

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