Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks an Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar to perform experimental research on electrochemical devices, including electrolyzers and fuel cells, in the Energy Conversion Group. You will fabricate devices, test, diagnose, and characterize components while collaborating with industry and research partners to validate solutions.

The role emphasizes in-situ characterization, data processing, and reporting progress to sponsors, with safety and

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with membrane-based (AEM/BPM/PEM) electrochemical devices such as water/CO2/hydrocarbon electrolyzers, fuel cells (low- and intermediate-temperatures).
• Strong background in chemical engineering, electrochemistry and materials science.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; strong problem-solving in collaborative research settings.
• Committed to laboratory safety, housekeeping and best practices at Berkeley Lab.
• Familiarity with data and image processing.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Develop testing protocols to assess performance and degradation of AEM electrolyzers and components.
• Develop advanced diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability limitations and mitigation strategies.
• Apply in-situ and operando characterization techniques, such as Raman, FTIR, XPS, XCT, and neutron imaging.
• Meet project milestones and report progress to sponsors.
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Follow Berkeley Lab and ETA safety requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories.
• Interact with the LBNL electrochemistry community to aid in electrochemistry research.

Skills

experimental research

device fabrication

testing & diagnostics

communication skills

team collaboration

ownership & initiative

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field

Tools

Raman

FTIR

XPS

XCT

Neutron imaging

Job description

Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar in the Energy Conversion Group. The role involves experimental research on electrochemical devices, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and related systems. Responsibilities include device fabrication, testing, diagnostics, component characterization, integration, and validation. The scholar will collaborate with industry and research partners to develop diagnostic methods, identify performance and durability challenges, and validate solutions. Research will also focus on electrochemical reactions, material properties, and structure–function relationships across multiple time and length scales.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available

24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays

Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs

Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association , including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange

A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

You will:

Develop testing protocols to assess performance and degradation of AEM electrolyzers and components.

Develop advanced diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability limitations and mitigation strategies.

Apply in-situ and operando characterization techniques, such as Raman, FTIR, XPS, XCT, and neutron imaging.

Meet project milestones and report progress to sponsors.

Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences and meetings.

Follow Berkeley Lab and ETA safety requirements.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

Interact with the LBNL electrochemistry community (with extensive experience in batteries, modeling of batteries and fuel cells, electrode material synthesis, spectroscopy, detailed diagnostics, and cell design) to aid in electrochemistry research.

We are looking for:

PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field.

Hands‑on experience with membrane‑based (AEM/BPM/PEM) electrochemical devices such as water/CO2/hydrocarbon electrolyzers, fuel cells (low- and intermediate‑temperatures) or related devices.

Strong background in chemical engineering, electrochemistry and materials science

High in ownership, self‑motivation and confidence in solving extremely hard problems in collaborative research settings

Committed to laboratory safety, housekeeping and best practices at Berkeley Lab

Familiarity with data and image processing

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as 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.

Knowledge of constitutive relations and continuum theories

Desired skills/knowledge:

Demonstrated ability to take initiative for tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion

Experience with electrochemistry and transport phenomena

AI/ML experience for experimental data and metadata management

Familiarity with catalyst synthesis and characterization

Application date:

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Jan 1, 2027. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Appointment type:

This is a full‑time, 2 year, postdoctoral 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. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post‑degree.

Salary range:

The monthly salary range for this position is $7,029 / mo - $8,152 / m and is expected to start at $7,029 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

Background check:

This position is 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 modality:

This position will be performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here ).

Union Represented:

This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:

careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment 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.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.