Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will conduct research in the area of solid-state batteries in the Battery Materials Research Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Working to demonstrate, analyze, and improve fabrication processes for ceramic electrolyte layer and electrolyte/cathode bilayer structures, and assess processing routes for fabrication of solid state batteries. This will include powder processing, sintering, cell fabrication and testing, mechanical testing, and diagnosis of performance-limiting and cycling-limiting phenomena. Primary focus points will be LLZO layer fabrication, cathode/electrolyte compatibility and bilayer architecture optimization. You will interact with global leaders in battery, SOFC, and ceramic electrochemical device technology.

What You Will Do:

• Prepare ceramic compacts and layers via tapecasting and other techniques.
• Sintering studies.
• Conductivity measurement and analysis.
• Cell fabrication, testing, and analysis.
• Explore viable processing routes for high energy density solid state battery cathode/electrolyte structures.
• Review literature and identify opportunities to apply state-of-the-art battery materials research to challenges in fabrication and processing.
• Serve as a postdoctoral scholar in the Energy Conversion Group.
• Conceive and execute research that is novel and can lead to high impact.
• Work as part of a team to execute projects.
• Interface with research stakeholders from industry, academia, and national laboratories.
• Provide ideas, suggestions, and guidance to colleagues.
• Bring research to fruition, resulting in presentations at meetings, publications in journals, or patents.
• Work on meeting milestones and reporting them to project sponsors.

What is Required:

• Recent PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science or related field.
• Strong publication/patent record.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, conduct independent research and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent hands-on research skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Experience with solid state battery research and related techniques and analysis.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to produce research deliverables on a scheduled timeline of milestones.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new skills.
• Willingness to take ownership of all experimental aspects of a project.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of ceramics processing techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of LLZO and other solid Li conductors.
• Knowledge of mechanical testing of ceramics.
• Knowledge of Li battery assembly and testing.
• Knowledge of ceramic sintering theory and characterization.
• Experience working in a glovebox.

For preferred consideration, please apply by April 30, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• 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 determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• 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 primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.