Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Battery Cathode Postdoctoral Fellow
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Battery Cathode Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team. The role supports the research programs in the Electrochemistry Group, aiming to develop next-generation batteries for use in electric vehicles. The fellow 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 interfacial phenomena between the electrode and electrolyte.
Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe key phenomena and reactions during battery operation, including electron microscopy and synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques, 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 journals and conferences; stay current on the field by reading published literature.
Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars.
Collaborate with research associates, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at LBNL and with 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, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Deep knowledge of solid-state chemistry and rechargeable lithium battery chemistry, particularly Li-ion cathode chemistry.
Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry, etc.), and 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 scientific judgment and initiative, and to collaborate in a diverse team environment.
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge and experience with synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques.
Application Process
For consideration, apply by October 15, 2025 with:
Cover Letter describing your interest and relevance of your background.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
Notes
This is a full-time 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance, continuing funds, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on postdoctoral experience.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
The monthly salary range is $6,891 to $7,609; starting salary will be at least $6,891 per month and is determined by postdoctoral step rates under the union contract. Scale is based on FY25; FY26 may change.
This position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated for relevance to the role; a conviction history does not automatically disqualify.
The position is onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. REAL ID or another acceptable ID is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
Learn More Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Visit careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories. We are committed to affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts in line with applicable laws.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: Finalists must disclose any relevant misconduct decisions or investigations within the last seven years.
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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 interfacial phenomena between the electrode and electrolyte.
Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe key phenomena and reactions during battery operation, including electron microscopy and synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques, 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 journals and conferences; stay current on the field by reading published literature.
Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars.
Collaborate with research associates, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at LBNL and with 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, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Deep knowledge of solid-state chemistry and rechargeable lithium battery chemistry, particularly Li-ion cathode chemistry.
Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry, etc.), and 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 scientific judgment and initiative, and to collaborate in a diverse team environment.
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge and experience with synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques.
Application Process
For consideration, apply by October 15, 2025 with:
Cover Letter describing your interest and relevance of your background.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
Notes
This is a full-time 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance, continuing funds, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on postdoctoral experience.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
The monthly salary range is $6,891 to $7,609; starting salary will be at least $6,891 per month and is determined by postdoctoral step rates under the union contract. Scale is based on FY25; FY26 may change.
This position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated for relevance to the role; a conviction history does not automatically disqualify.
The position is onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. REAL ID or another acceptable ID is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
Learn More Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Visit careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories. We are committed to affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts in line with applicable laws.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: Finalists must disclose any relevant misconduct decisions or investigations within the last seven years.
#J-18808-Ljbffr