Battery Materials and Components Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO or HDHP) with a

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks postdoctoral candidates for fundamental and applied research on nanostructured materials for next-generation batteries, including sodium and lithium systems. You will work on synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration and testing of advanced anodes and cathodes.

Qualifications include a PhD in a related field, a strong publication record, and excellent English communication.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.
• Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise.
• Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills.
• Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments.
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental and applied research in synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration and testing of nanostructured materials and components for batteries.
• Design and fabricate experimental setups and test protocols for electrochemical cells.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Battery materials synthesis

Microfabrication

Cell design

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or mechanical engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

BET

XRD

XPS

NMR

Raman

FTIR

XAS

XRF

Job description

What You Will Do

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to perform fundamental and applied research in synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration and testing of nanostructured materials and components for next-generation batteries based on sodium and lithium. Materials and systems of interest include advanced anodes (including Na or Li metal and Si), cathodes (including polyanionic cathodes and conversion cathodes), and solid state electrolytes. The position will provide opportunities to learn about nano- and micro-scale synthesis and fabrication techniques for electrochemical systems, and could provide a fast track to a permanent position in the national laboratories.

What You Need

Candidates must have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Battery materials synthesis and characterization
• Microfabrication and thin film deposition related to batteries
• Cell design, fabrication, and testing relevant to batteries

Candidates must also have:

• Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
• Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi‑disciplinary research environment

Minimum Job Requirements

Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:
• Advanced anodes based on Li metal, Na metal, or Si
• Advanced cathodes based on polyanions including NASICON-structured cathodes, sulfur, metal fluorides, metal sulfides, or disordered rock salts
• Advanced solid state electrolyte materials
• Fabrication of battery electrodes and coin cell assembly
• Thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
• Electrochemical device testing
• SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, XAS and other materials characterization techniques
• Electronics and typical laboratory test instruments

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Information

• Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens; foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
• No Clearance – Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.
• New‑Employment Drug Test – Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. A positive test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.
• Internal Applicants – Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. Employees who have not served the required period of continuous service may only apply with documented approval of their Division Leader.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)‑664‑6947.

Restrictions on Certain Nationals

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.