Post-Doctoral Researcher: Li-ion Battery Recycling

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Post‑Doctoral Researcher in Li‑ion battery recycling within the Circular Economy program. You will develop analytical quantification methods for battery waste, validate processes, and improve supply chains for critical materials.

The role involves handling hazardous chemicals and radiological protocols as part of the Materials Measurement Laboratory.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (chemistry/engineering/materials).
• Experience with ICP-OES and acid digestion (>3 yrs).
• Strong written and oral communication; able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfort working with hazardous chemicals and radiological protocols.

Responsibilities

• Method development: establish bulk and trace quantification for battery waste using ICP-OES or neutron activation.
• Sample preparation: milling, grinding, and acid digestion of complex battery materials.
• Data analysis: run measurements, interpret results, compare with industry standards.
• Prepare findings for peer‑reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Maintain compliance with radiological and chemical safety requirements.

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

Neutron activation

ICP-OES

Job description

Post-Doctoral Researcher: Li-ion Battery Recycling

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to support the Circular Economy program and critical minerals recovery research. The successful candidate will develop analytical elemental quantification methods for mixed Li-ion battery waste (e.g., black mass) using ICPOES. This role involves validating characterization processes and improving supply chains for critical materials/minerals.

Duties

• Method Development: Establish bulk and trace analytical quantification methods for battery waste using ICP-OES and/or neutron activation.
• Sample Preparation: Perform milling, grinding, and acid digestion of complex battery materials and associated reference material.
• Data Analysis: Execute measurements, interpret complex datasets, and validate results against industry standards.
• Communication: Prepare findings for peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral presentations.
• Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to institutional safety requirements, including radiological and hazardous chemical protocols.

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with ICP-OES and acid digestion is required (> 3yrs.).
• Soft Skills: Excellent written/oral communication and a track record of meeting milestones in multidisciplinary teams.
• Safety & Environment: Must be comfortable working with large volumes of hazardous chemicals and under radiological conditions.
• Preferred Knowledge: Familiarity with Li-ion battery chemistry, mineral processing, mechanical separations, or nuclear analytical methods.

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Chemical Sciences Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.