Berkeley Lab
Postdoctoral Fellow - Solid-State Battery Chemist
Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow (Solid-State Battery Chemist) to join the team. In this role, you will work in the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division within the Electrochemistry Group, developing the next-generation batteries for use in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The incumbent will develop research focusing on ceramic solid electrolyte synthesis and processing, advanced characterization, fabrication and electrochemical testing of cell components for rechargeable all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. What You Will Do
Synthesize ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes such as LLZO and halides. Prepare dense ceramic layers and fabricate cell components with controlled interfaces. Use electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, diffusivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry, etc.) to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties of battery materials and interfacial processes occurring between the electrode and solid electrolyte. Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe ion transport and reaction mechanisms in lithium batteries, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Perform complex data analysis and interpret experimental results. Prepare manuscripts and reports and publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars and review literature to stay current on research in the field. Carry out collaborative research with research associates, post-doctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at LBNL as well as colleagues in other national labs and universities. Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments. Adhere to ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements. Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Participate in research proposal writing. What Is Required
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related field. Profound knowledge of solid-state chemistry and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery field. Experience with solid-state battery research and related synthesis and analytical techniques, particularly synthesis and processing of ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes. Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry, etc.), and a range of 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 a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate with other researchers in a diverse team. Strong organizational and record-keeping skills. Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of ceramics sintering/processing techniques and related equipment. Application Materials
For consideration, please apply by October 1, 2025 with the following 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 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. The monthly salary range is $6,891 per month to $7,609 per month and is expected to start at $6,891 per month or above. Postdoctoral salaries are paid on a step schedule per union contract, and steps reflect post-Ph.D. experience. FY26 rates may be updated. This position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated to determine relevance to the role. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant. This position is eligible for onsite work at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Lab sites. Careers
Careers information: care ers.lbl.gov Equal Employment Opportunity
The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law. Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer and supports affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts.
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Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow (Solid-State Battery Chemist) to join the team. In this role, you will work in the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division within the Electrochemistry Group, developing the next-generation batteries for use in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The incumbent will develop research focusing on ceramic solid electrolyte synthesis and processing, advanced characterization, fabrication and electrochemical testing of cell components for rechargeable all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. What You Will Do
Synthesize ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes such as LLZO and halides. Prepare dense ceramic layers and fabricate cell components with controlled interfaces. Use electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, diffusivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry, etc.) to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties of battery materials and interfacial processes occurring between the electrode and solid electrolyte. Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe ion transport and reaction mechanisms in lithium batteries, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Perform complex data analysis and interpret experimental results. Prepare manuscripts and reports and publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars and review literature to stay current on research in the field. Carry out collaborative research with research associates, post-doctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at LBNL as well as colleagues in other national labs and universities. Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments. Adhere to ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements. Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Participate in research proposal writing. What Is Required
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related field. Profound knowledge of solid-state chemistry and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery field. Experience with solid-state battery research and related synthesis and analytical techniques, particularly synthesis and processing of ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes. Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry, etc.), and a range of 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 a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate with other researchers in a diverse team. Strong organizational and record-keeping skills. Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of ceramics sintering/processing techniques and related equipment. Application Materials
For consideration, please apply by October 1, 2025 with the following 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 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. The monthly salary range is $6,891 per month to $7,609 per month and is expected to start at $6,891 per month or above. Postdoctoral salaries are paid on a step schedule per union contract, and steps reflect post-Ph.D. experience. FY26 rates may be updated. This position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated to determine relevance to the role. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant. This position is eligible for onsite work at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Lab sites. Careers
Careers information: care ers.lbl.gov Equal Employment Opportunity
The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law. Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer and supports affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts.
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