Postdoctoral Scholar: Carbon Materials for Energy Storage

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

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