Postdoctoral Appointee – Artificial Intelligence for Lithium–Sulfur 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 is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee in Lemont, Illinois. The role focuses on innovative research on high-energy lithium–sulfur batteries, employing artificial intelligence to enhance battery performance. Candidates will work on synthesizing materials and advanced characterization techniques.

The ideal applicant holds a recent PhD in a relevant field and possesses experience with battery systems and electrochemical testing. A comprehensive benefits package will be offered.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD with a focus relevant to the position.
• Proven experience with lithium–sulfur battery systems.
• Knowledge of interfacial engineering strategies to suppress lithium dendrite formation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on lithium–sulfur batteries using AI methods.
• Synthesize and characterize sulfur cathode materials.
• Perform electrochemical testing and analysis.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Electrochemistry

Synthesis of Solid-State Electrolytes

Data Analysis

Effective Communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

Synchrotron X-ray Techniques

Cyclic Voltammetry

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Job description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research focused on the development of high‑energy, long‑cycle‑life lithium–sulfur batteries employing both liquid and solid‑state electrolytes using artificial intelligence, under the guidance of a supervisor. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving the synthesis, physical and chemical characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of sulfur cathodes in both coin‑cell and pouch‑cell formats. This role includes establishing correlations between the physical and chemical properties of sulfur cathodes, electrolytes and their electrochemical performance. The candidate is also expected to have experience working with a range of liquid and solid electrolytes for lithium–sulfur battery systems. In addition, the postdoctoral appointee will perform advanced characterization of battery materials using synchrotron‑based X‑ray techniques to develop mechanistic understanding of material behavior and electrochemical performance. Responsibilities also include analyzing experimental data, preparing manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, presenting research findings at scientific conferences, and preparing reports and presentations for group meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develop high‑energy‑density, long‑life lithium–sulfur batteries using liquid and solid‑state electrolytes
• Synthesize and optimize sulfur cathode materials and related host structures
• Perform physical, chemical, and structural characterization of battery material
• Fabricate and evaluate lithium–sulfur cells in coin‑cell and pouch‑cell configurations
• Investigate the relationships between material properties, interfacial behavior, and electrochemical performance
• Work with a variety of liquid and solid electrolytes, including sulfide‑based solid‑state electrolytes
• Apply advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron X‑ray probes, to study battery materials and interfaces
• Conduct electrochemical testing, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic cycling
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to provide insight into battery mechanisms and performance limitations
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations for internal and external audiences
• Present research results at group meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon‑to‑be‑completed PhD (within the last 0‑5 years) in fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Experience leveraging artificial intelligence or machine learning in the development of battery electrolytes and catalyst materials
• Demonstrated expertise in lithium–sulfur battery materials and electrolyte systems
• Strong skills in the synthesis and structural optimization of host materials for lithium–sulfur batteries
• Experience in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of solid‑state electrolytes, particularly sulfide‑based electrolytes, for energy storage applications
• Knowledge of interfacial engineering strategies, such as surface coatings, to suppress lithium dendrite formation
• Hands‑on experience in the fabrication and testing of all‑solid‑state cells, including coin‑cell and/or model cell configurations
• Knowledge of synchrotron‑based X‑ray characterization techniques, such as XRD and X‑ray spectroscopy, particularly for in situ/operando studies of materials and interfacial chemistry during battery cycling
• Strong understanding of electrochemistry, with the ability to perform and interpret CV, EIS, and galvanostatic testing
• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental results
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multiple concurrent projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a record of peer‑reviewed publications and recognition in a relevant research area
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00–$121,465.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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