The American Ceramic Society
Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar
The American Ceramic Society, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team. 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 of the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division of the Energy Technologies Area. The work will entail membrane-electrode assembly device fabrication, testing and associated electrochemical measurements and materials characterization, fundamental interface and component fabrication (including catalyst, catalyst/electrolyte interfaces, and membranes), integration and simulation. The incumbent will collaborate with research partners to develop and utilize novel characterization and diagnostic methods to identify critical performance and durability barriers for these electrochemical devices and develop hypotheses and strategies to overcome them. A focus will be on understanding electrochemistry and heterogeneous reactions and component material properties, including structure/function relationships across multiple time and length scales with emphasis on electrical double-layer formation and structure.
What You Will Do
Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments to validate for electrochemical devices including membrane-based water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or electrosynthesis devices.
Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves, and correlate materials/device behaviors with electrochemical measurements.
Work with model cell systems including H-cells and interdigitated electrodes to isolate specific electrolyte/EDL effects.
Perform basic characterization such as XPS, XRD, SEM/EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM, and data interpretation and analysis; perform in-situ/operando spectroscopic characterization such as surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and ambient-pressure XPS (AP-XPS).
Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes and coated membranes for MEA devices.
Accurately 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 demonstrate the ability to accomplish multiple tasks.
Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
Adhere to Lab and building safety requirements.
Collaborate with a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories; be flexible in adjusting research priorities based on project needs.
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 diagnostic techniques.
Strong background in materials science with experience using physical characterization tools and data analysis.
Self-motivated, milestone-driven and able to work on 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 a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.
Desired Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to take initiative for tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
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 Instructions
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, ongoing funds, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on years of experience post-degree.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
The monthly salary range is $6,891 to $7,609 and will start at or above $6,891; postdoctoral steps apply per the union contract. FY26 postdoc rates are under consideration and may adjust.
This position is subject to a background check; convictions will be evaluated for relevance to responsibilities and requirements. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant.
This position will be on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules depend on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years related to misconduct, investigations, or appeals with a previous employer.
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What You Will Do
Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments to validate for electrochemical devices including membrane-based water/CO2 electrolyzers and/or electrosynthesis devices.
Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves, and correlate materials/device behaviors with electrochemical measurements.
Work with model cell systems including H-cells and interdigitated electrodes to isolate specific electrolyte/EDL effects.
Perform basic characterization such as XPS, XRD, SEM/EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM, and data interpretation and analysis; perform in-situ/operando spectroscopic characterization such as surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and ambient-pressure XPS (AP-XPS).
Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes and coated membranes for MEA devices.
Accurately 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 demonstrate the ability to accomplish multiple tasks.
Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
Adhere to Lab and building safety requirements.
Collaborate with a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories; be flexible in adjusting research priorities based on project needs.
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 diagnostic techniques.
Strong background in materials science with experience using physical characterization tools and data analysis.
Self-motivated, milestone-driven and able to work on 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 a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.
Desired Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to take initiative for tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
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 Instructions
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, ongoing funds, and operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on years of experience post-degree.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
The monthly salary range is $6,891 to $7,609 and will start at or above $6,891; postdoctoral steps apply per the union contract. FY26 postdoc rates are under consideration and may adjust.
This position is subject to a background check; convictions will be evaluated for relevance to responsibilities and requirements. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant.
This position will be on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules depend on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years related to misconduct, investigations, or appeals with a previous employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr