Postdoctoral Appointee – Advanced Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee focused on the development of high-density cathode materials for energy storage systems. The candidate will conduct research involving advanced synthesis and characterization methods to enhance lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery technologies.

This position requires a recent Ph.D. in relevant fields and strong expertise in electrochemistry, particularly with layered oxide materials. The role involves both hands-on research and analytical contributions within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be completed Ph.D. within the last 0–5 years.
• Hands-on experience with layered oxide precursors and cathode materials production.
• Strong background in electrochemistry with experience in galvanostatic testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and synthesize layered oxide precursor materials.
• Conduct chemical and electrochemical characterization of materials.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.

Skills

Co-precipitation synthesis using a CSTR reactor

Electrochemistry

Synchrotron-based X-ray characterization

Thermal stability evaluation

Materials science concepts

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research focused on the development of long‑life, high‑density cathode materials for electrochemical energy‑storage systems under the guidance of a supervising scientist. The successful candidate will play a leading role in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced layered oxide cathode materials for lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion batteries. This work will include the use of advanced synthesis methods, electrochemical testing, and state‑of‑the‑art characterization techniques to understand material behavior and improve next‑generation energy‑storage technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and synthesize layered oxide precursor materials using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), with control over morphology, particle size, and composition.
• Conduct physical, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical characterization of layered oxide cathode materials using a range of analytical techniques.
• Establish relationships between the physical and chemical properties of layered oxide cathodes and their electrochemical performance in both lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion battery systems.
• Perform advanced characterization using synchrotron‑based X‑ray techniques to investigate material behavior and interfacial chemistry during synthesis and battery operation.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of cathode operation and degradation, and identify pathways to improve the performance and safety of advanced electrochemical cells.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings through manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, presentations at scientific conferences, internal reports, and group‑meeting presentations.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon‑to‑be completed Ph.D. (within the last 0–5 years) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or an equivalent field.
• Hands‑on experience with co‑precipitation synthesis using a CSTR reactor for production of layered oxide precursors and cathode materials.
• Strong background in electrochemistry, including experience performing and interpreting galvanostatic testing of half‑cells and full cells, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry.
• Familiarity with synchrotron‑based X‑ray characterization techniques, including diffraction and spectroscopy, particularly for in‑situ studies of materials and interfacial chemistry under synthesis conditions and during high‑temperature, high‑voltage, or high‑rate operation.
• Significant experience evaluating the thermal stability and safety of cathode materials and battery systems using techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA‑mass spectrometry (TGA‑MS), and related methods.
• Broad understanding of materials science concepts relevant to electrochemical systems, including oxides, composites, and electrochemical interfaces, with the ability to apply insights from related research areas to solve battery‑materials challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and interpret experimental results effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with a solid publication record and evidence of growing recognition in relevant research areas.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Job Details

Job Family: Postdoctoral
Worker Type: Long‑Term (FixedTerm)
Time Type: Full time
Salary Range: $72,879.00–$121,465.00 (general guideline only; final offer determined by qualifications and business considerations)

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Argonne National Laboratory is an equal employment opportunity employer and, in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork, is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.