Postdoctoral Appointee – Atomic Layer Deposition for Energy Storage

Atomic Layer Deposition International; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance research in energy storage, focusing on lithium-ion technology. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science and expertise in fabricating prototype batteries and atomic layer deposition methods. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and a record of publication. This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in relevant field.
• Extensive experience in fabricating and testing prototype batteries.
• Knowledge of atomic layer deposition methods and equipment required.
• Skills in oral and written communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and model core values.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the design, analysis, and interpretation of experiments.
• Present findings to the community through publications and presentations.

Skills

Fabricating and testing prototype batteries

Glove box operation

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Atomic layer deposition methods

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science

Tools

X-ray diffraction

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Spectroscopic ellipsometry

Atomic force microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee – Atomic Layer Deposition for Energy Storage

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the Functional Coatings Group in the Applied Materials Division at Argonne National Laboratory to conduct advanced research in energy storage. A primary goal of this work is aimed at advancing next‑generation, lithium‑ion technology through a detailed understanding and mitigation of surface degradation mechanisms that limit state‑of‑the‑art lithium‑ion battery materials. The focus is to develop atomic layer processing methods to tailor the surface properties of lithium‑ion battery electrodes using nanoscale thin films and surface treatments. Advanced materials design and characterization will be pursued through various strategies. The candidate should have extensive experience in fabricating and testing prototype batteries, glove box operation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. An understanding of bulk and thin‑film materials characterization techniques such as X‑ray diffraction, X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy is required. Knowledge of atomic layer deposition and materials for energy storage applications is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is also expected to aid in the design, analysis, and interpretation of experiments as well as present findings to the community through publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon‑to‑be‑completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0–5 years) in physics, chemistry, or materials science with 0 to 2 years of experience, or the equivalent experience through practical application in a laboratory.
• Extensive experience in fabricating and testing prototype batteries, glove box operation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Knowledge of and experience with atomic layer deposition methods and equipment.
• Skills working interactively and productively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Record of publication and external recognition in these areas.
• Ability to work independently on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• This position requires an on‑site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.

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.