Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials/CAER

University of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Scholar – Carbon Materials/CAER, based in Lexington, KY. The successful candidate will lead research on development and optimization of advanced energy storage systems using coal-derived and other carbon materials as battery electrodes, spanning materials development, electrochemical characterization, and device‑level testing.

Responsibilities include designing and evaluating electrochemical cells, performing node

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials processing and characterization.
• Knowledge of coal liquefaction, distillation, pitch processing, coking.
• Knowledge of battery fabrication and characterization.
• Ability to record and keep accurate lab records and data.
• Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on coal-derived synthetic carbon for energy storage applications.
• Design, fabricate, and evaluate electrochemical cells, including coin cells and pouch cells, to assess performance metrics such as specific capacity, Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cycle life.
• Perform comprehensive pre- and post-cycling characterization of materials using analytical techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EIS, and CV.
• Develop and implement advanced electrochemical methodologies to investigate charge storage mechanisms, performance limitations, and degradation pathways in carbon-based electrode materials.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to establish structure-property-performance relationships and guide material optimization.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, adhere to established safety protocols, and contribute to a safe and productive research environment.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, project updates, proposals, and presentations for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including internal and external research partners, and remain current with emerging developments in battery materials and energy storage.

Skills

Fiber & carbon materials

Coal liquefaction & processing

Battery fabrication

Lab records & data

Research writing & publication

Education

PhD

Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials/CAER
Requisition Number DU15046
Department Name 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location Lexington, KY
Salary Range $61,008/year
Type of Position Temporary
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education PhD
Required Related Experience n/a
Required License/Registration/Certification n/a
Physical Requirements lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs;
Shift Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)
Job Summary The Postdoctoral Scholar will lead research efforts focused on the development and optimization of advanced energy storage systems utilizing coal-derived and other carbon materials as battery electrodes. The successful candidate will conduct experimental research spanning materials development, electrochemical characterization, and device-level testing to advance the understanding and performance of synthetic carbon-based electrodes for energy storage technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on coal-derived synthetic carbon for energy storage applications.
• Design, fabricate, and evaluate electrochemical cells, including coin cells and pouch cells, to assess performance metrics such as specific capacity, Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cycle life.
• Perform comprehensive pre- and post-cycling characterization of materials using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction ( XRD ), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( XPS ), scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ), transmission electron microscopy ( TEM ), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy ( EIS ), and cyclic voltammetry (CV).
• Develop and implement advanced electrochemical methodologies to investigate charge storage mechanisms, performance limitations, and degradation pathways in carbon-based electrode materials.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to establish structure-property-performance relationships and guide material optimization.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, adhere to established safety protocols, and contribute to a safe and productive research environment.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, project updates, proposals, and presentations for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including internal and external research partners, and remain current with emerging developments in battery materials and energy storage.

Duties and Responsibilities: A sampling of duties and responsibilities the successful candidate will be engaged in are as follows:

Equipment and Supplies

Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set-up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.

Laboratory and Experimental Research

Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/ plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up to date log books and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.

Results and Scholarly Output

Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.

Instruction and Service

May be involved in the instruction and training of other students and employees, and providing technical services for the general public, government, industry and academic organizations.

Occupational Safety

Maintains clean and safe working area and follows and prosecutes safety procedures. Stays up to date on appropriate use of tools, instruments, computers and analytical apparatus.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials processing and characterization
• Knowledge of coal liquefaction, distillation, pitch processing, coking
• Knowledge of battery fabrication and characterization
• The ability to record and keep accurate lab records and data
• Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Deadline to Apply

09/30/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.