Postdoctoral Research Scholar

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Leave

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh, NC, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead an experimental program on liquid electrolytes for wide-temperature lithium-ion batteries. You will design multi-component electrolytes, build and test coin and pouch cells, and analyze Li+ solvation and interphases.

The role includes supervising graduate/undergraduate students, preparing deliverables for the prime contractor, and presenting at sponsor conferences.

Qualifications

• Experience in liquid electrolyte design for Li-ion batteries is required.
• Ability to mentor graduate/undergraduate researchers.
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental program on liquid electrolytes for wide-temperature Li-ion batteries.
• Design and formulate multi-component electrolytes and test in coin/pouch cells.
• Characterize solvation structures and interphases; assess safety and flammability.

Skills

Electrolyte preparation

Li-ion cell fabrication

Electrochemical testing

Data analysis (Python, MATLAB, Origin)

Scientific writing and presentations

Safety with solvents & lithium

Tools

Glovebox

Battery cyclers

Environmental chambers

Potentiostats

Analytical equipment

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number PG191777PD

Position Number 00112341

Position Type Post Doc

FLSA Exempt

Departmental Information

Department ID 140201 - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Department 140201 - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Job City & State Raleigh, North Carolina

Position Overview

Essential Job Duties

• The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will lead the experimental research program on liquid electrolytes for wide-temperature lithium-ion batteries.
• The objective is a single liquid electrolyte that supports reliable Li-ion full-cell operation across a wide temperature range, where conventional carbonate electrolytes freeze in the cold and degrade at elevated temperatures.
• The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will design and formulate multi-component electrolytes (salt selection, binary and ternary solvent blending, fluorinated diluents, and additive engineering); build and test coin and pouch full cells under standardized protocols in environmental chambers spanning the full temperature window; characterize Li+ solvation structure and electrode/electrolyte interphases; carry out flammability and thermal-safety screening; and deconvolute electrolyte from electrode contributions to cell performance.
• The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will also be responsible for day-to-day execution of the NC State scope of work, for supervising the graduate and undergraduate students assigned to the project, and for preparing the deliverables, data packages, and technical reports owed to the prime contractor.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Design, formulate, and optimize liquid electrolytes for wide-temperature lithium-ion cells, including salt selection, binary/ternary solvent blending, fluorinated diluents, and additive engineering.
• Assemble and test coin and pouch full cells ( NMC ||graphite and related chemistries) in an argon glovebox, including electrode slurry preparation, coating, calendering, and cell crimping.
• Execute standardized electrochemical evaluation across the full target temperature range using environmental and cryogenic chambers: galvanostatic cycling, rate capability, impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and three-electrode/reference measurements.
• Characterize electrolyte physicochemical properties and Li+ solvation structure (ionic conductivity, viscosity, freezing and phase behavior, Raman, FTIR , NMR ) and electrode-electrolyte interphases ( XPS , SEM / EDS , and related tools).
• Perform flammability and thermal-safety screening of candidate formulations under approved safety protocols.
• Analyze, curate, and archive experimental data; maintain complete and auditable electronic laboratory records.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly technical progress reports, milestone data packages, and deliverables for the prime contractor and the Army technical point of contact; participate in sponsor teleconferences and program reviews.
• Write and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference abstracts and present results at national meetings.
• Train, supervise, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students working on the project.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation (gloveboxes, battery cyclers, environmental chambers, potentiostats. and coordinate calibration and service.
• Comply with all EHS requirements for handling flammable organic solvents, lithium salts, lithium metal, compressed gases, dry ice and cryogens, and for battery testing.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory management: chemical inventory, hazardous waste streams, ordering of supplies, and onboarding of new group members.
• Serve as a laboratory safety contact for the battery testing space and help maintain standard operating procedures.
• Contribute preliminary data and text to future proposals to DoD, DOE , NSF , and industry.
• Support intellectual-property activities, including invention disclosures arising from the project.
• Assist with outreach, laboratory tours, and hosting of sponsor and collaborator visits.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Department Required Skills

• Electrolyte preparation and handling of moisture- and air-sensitive materials (glovebox, Schlenk/air-free technique).
• Lithium-ion cell fabrication: electrode slurry casting, calendering, cell assembly and crimping.
• Electrochemical testing and interpretation: galvanostatic cycling, rate capability, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry; operation of battery cyclers and potentiostats.
• Quantitative data analysis and scientific plotting (Python, MATLAB , Origin, or equivalent).
• Scientific writing and presentation; ability to draft manuscripts and sponsor progress reports independently.
• Ability to work safely and independently with flammable organic solvents and lithium-containing materials, and to work effectively with students and external sponsors.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• 2+ years of research experience in liquid electrolyte design for lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries beyond the doctoral degree.
• Experience with low-temperature and/or high-temperature battery testing and with environmental, cryogenic, or thermal chambers.
• Experience probing Li+ solvation structure (Raman, FTIR , NMR ) and interphase chemistry ( XPS , SEM / EDS , cryo-EM, TOF - SIMS ).
• Experience with multi-layer pouch cell fabrication and scale-up.
• Experience with flammability, thermal-runaway, or other battery safety testing.
• Prior experience on projects, including milestone-driven reporting.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers.

Required License Or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required?

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range $61,000

If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many 2

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 09/17/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235119

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.