Berkeley Lab
Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar
Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar – Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division. The Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct experimental work on water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or other related electrochemical devices and their components in the Energy Conversion Group. The work includes membrane-electrode assembly device fabrication, testing and associated electrochemical measurements, materials characterization, and fundamental interface and component fabrication. The incumbent will collaborate with research partners to develop and utilize novel characterization and diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability barriers and develop strategies to overcome them, with emphasis on understanding electrochemistry and heterogeneous reactions and component material properties across multiple time and length scales, focusing on electrical double-layer formation and structure.
What You Will Do
Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments for electrochemical devices including membrane-based water/CO2 electrolyzers and electrosynthesis devices. Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves, and other electrochemical methods; correlate materials and device behaviors with measurements. Work with model cell systems (e.g., H-cells and interdigitated electrodes) to isolate electrolyte/EDL effects. Perform basic characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM/EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM) and data interpretation; conduct in-situ/operando spectroscopy (surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and AP-XPS). Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes, and coated membranes for MEA devices. Quantify and analyze gas and liquid products using GC, HPLC, ICP-MS and/or NMR for CO2 reduction/electrosynthesis products or degraded components from MEA devices. Apply fundamental principles to address complex behaviors of MEA devices. Perform multi-physics simulation and modeling for water and CO2 electrolyzers. Work toward meeting time-sensitive milestones and manage multiple tasks. Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings. Adhere to Lab and building safety requirements. Collaborate with a diverse team and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories; adjust research priorities as needed based on project requirements.
Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Work on operando cell designs including synchrotron-based techniques for water/CO2 electrolysis materials and cells. Interact with the LBNL electrolysis, fuel cell, and electrochemistry community to aid in electrochemistry research.
What Is Required
PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field. Hands-on experience with electrochemical devices and/or components such as PEM, AEM or BPM water/CO2 electrolyzers or related devices. Strong background in electrochemistry and chemical engineering fundamentals, including classical electroanalytical techniques. Strong background in material science with experience in physical characterization tools and data analysis. Self-motivated, milestone-driven, able to manage multiple tasks based on project needs. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including technical writing. Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new fields to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. Ability and willingness to work in a team environment and collaborate with researchers from various backgrounds. Ability to work as an independent researcher with scientific judgment and initiative.
Desired Qualifications
Initiative in tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusions. Experience with advanced characterization techniques including in situ spectroscopy. Experience with electrode nanofabrication techniques like lithography. Experience with simulation, water splitting, and transport phenomena. Familiarity with catalyst synthesis. Good data etiquette and management skills.
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 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance, funding, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. The monthly salary range is typically around $6,891 to $7,609; actual salary will be determined by postdoctoral step rates. FY26 rates are under consideration and may be adjusted. This position is subject to a background check. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or acceptable ID is required to access Lab sites.
EEO Statement
Berkeley Lab is an Equal Employment 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 support affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with Federal and State law. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: finalists must disclose any misconduct-related decisions in the last seven years.
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Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar – Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division. The Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct experimental work on water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or other related electrochemical devices and their components in the Energy Conversion Group. The work includes membrane-electrode assembly device fabrication, testing and associated electrochemical measurements, materials characterization, and fundamental interface and component fabrication. The incumbent will collaborate with research partners to develop and utilize novel characterization and diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability barriers and develop strategies to overcome them, with emphasis on understanding electrochemistry and heterogeneous reactions and component material properties across multiple time and length scales, focusing on electrical double-layer formation and structure.
What You Will Do
Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments for electrochemical devices including membrane-based water/CO2 electrolyzers and electrosynthesis devices. Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves, and other electrochemical methods; correlate materials and device behaviors with measurements. Work with model cell systems (e.g., H-cells and interdigitated electrodes) to isolate electrolyte/EDL effects. Perform basic characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM/EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM) and data interpretation; conduct in-situ/operando spectroscopy (surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and AP-XPS). Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes, and coated membranes for MEA devices. Quantify and analyze gas and liquid products using GC, HPLC, ICP-MS and/or NMR for CO2 reduction/electrosynthesis products or degraded components from MEA devices. Apply fundamental principles to address complex behaviors of MEA devices. Perform multi-physics simulation and modeling for water and CO2 electrolyzers. Work toward meeting time-sensitive milestones and manage multiple tasks. Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings. Adhere to Lab and building safety requirements. Collaborate with a diverse team and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories; adjust research priorities as needed based on project requirements.
Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Work on operando cell designs including synchrotron-based techniques for water/CO2 electrolysis materials and cells. Interact with the LBNL electrolysis, fuel cell, and electrochemistry community to aid in electrochemistry research.
What Is Required
PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field. Hands-on experience with electrochemical devices and/or components such as PEM, AEM or BPM water/CO2 electrolyzers or related devices. Strong background in electrochemistry and chemical engineering fundamentals, including classical electroanalytical techniques. Strong background in material science with experience in physical characterization tools and data analysis. Self-motivated, milestone-driven, able to manage multiple tasks based on project needs. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including technical writing. Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new fields to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. Ability and willingness to work in a team environment and collaborate with researchers from various backgrounds. Ability to work as an independent researcher with scientific judgment and initiative.
Desired Qualifications
Initiative in tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusions. Experience with advanced characterization techniques including in situ spectroscopy. Experience with electrode nanofabrication techniques like lithography. Experience with simulation, water splitting, and transport phenomena. Familiarity with catalyst synthesis. Good data etiquette and management skills.
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 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance, funding, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. The monthly salary range is typically around $6,891 to $7,609; actual salary will be determined by postdoctoral step rates. FY26 rates are under consideration and may be adjusted. This position is subject to a background check. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or acceptable ID is required to access Lab sites.
EEO Statement
Berkeley Lab is an Equal Employment 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 support affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with Federal and State law. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: finalists must disclose any misconduct-related decisions in the last seven years.
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