Battery Cathode Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Battery Cathode Postdoctoral Fellow to join their innovative Energy Storage Division. This role focuses on groundbreaking research in developing next-generation batteries for electric vehicles. You will engage in synthesizing advanced cathode materials, utilizing cutting-edge electrochemical techniques, and conducting diagnostic studies. This two-year full-time appointment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while collaborating with diverse teams. If you are passionate about battery technology and eager to push the boundaries of energy storage solutions, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of lithium battery chemistry, especially cathode chemistry.
• Experience with electrochemical techniques and characterization instruments.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries.
• Analyze data and interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with researchers across institutions.

Skills

Solid-state battery chemistry

Electrode fabrication

Inorganic synthesis

Electroanalytical techniques

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Ph.D. in Material Sciences

Tools

Electron microscopy

XRD

SEM

TEM

TGA

DSC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Raman spectroscopy

Job description

Join to apply for the Battery Cathode Postdoctoral Fellow role at Berkeley Lab.

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

In this role, you will support research programs in the Electrochemistry Group, focusing on developing next-generation batteries for electric vehicles. You will work with diverse teams across multiple organizations, conducting research on synthesis, characterization, and optimization of advanced cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

What You Will Do

1. Design and synthesize oxide and oxyfluoride cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries.
2. Use electrochemical techniques such as cell cycling tests, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and spectroelectrochemistry to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties, phase transformations, and interfacial phenomena between electrode and electrolyte.
3. Perform advanced diagnostic studies using electron microscopy and synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques, along with other methods like XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy.
4. Analyze data and interpret experimental results.
5. Prepare manuscripts and reports for publication.
6. Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific meetings and seminars.
7. Collaborate with researchers across institutions, including research associates, postdocs, visiting scientists, and students.
8. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in research proposal writing.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of solid-state and lithium battery chemistry, especially cathode chemistry.
• Experience with inorganic synthesis, electrode fabrication, cell testing, electroanalytical techniques, and characterization instruments.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to design experiments, conduct independent research, and contribute to publications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with synchrotron-related spectroscopic techniques.

Application Materials

• Cover Letter describing your interest and background relevance.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Additional Notes

• This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal. Candidates must have less than 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on experience.
• Position is represented by a union. Salary range: $6,891 - $7,609/month, starting at or above $6,891/month.
• Position is subject to background check. Hybrid work options available, residing within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab preferred.

Learn more about working at Berkeley Lab at: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories.