Research Associate - Electrochemical Energy Storage

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory invites applications for a two-year term Research Associate in the Electrochemical Energy Storage (EES) Group. You will contribute to advanced battery research across sulfur, sodium, and lithium systems, integrating AI/ML to accelerate materials discovery and optimization.

The role involves independent and collaborative research, coordinating with collaborators, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals, with a salary range of $75,000–$83,000 per year.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in rechargeable battery systems and strong publication record.
• Experience applying AI/ML methods to battery materials development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize electrode and electrolyte materials for sulfur, sodium, and lithium batteries.
• Perform electrochemical evaluations and advanced structural/chemical characterization.
• Apply AI/ML approaches to accelerate materials discovery and data-driven optimization.
• Coordinate research with academic and industrial collaborators and present results at conferences.

Skills

AI/ML in batteries

Battery materials

Electrochemistry

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science/Engineering

Job description

The Chemistry Division invites applications for a two-year term Research Associate position in the Electrochemical Energy Storage (EES) Group. The successful candidate will contribute to advanced battery research through materials development and characterization.

Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.

The appointee will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: sulfur, sodium, and lithium batteries. In addition to experimental research, the candidate is expected to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches to accelerate materials discovery and optimization. A key component of the role includes correlating materials design with physical, chemical, and mechanical properties using advanced characterization techniques.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research on sulfur, sodium, and lithium battery systems within the EES Group. Responsibilities include designing and synthesizing electrode and electrolyte materials, performing electrochemical evaluations, and conducting advanced structural and chemical characterization using state-of-the-art techniques. The candidate will integrate AI and ML approaches to accelerate materials discovery and data-driven optimization. The position also involves coordinating research activities with academic and industrial collaborators, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and presenting results at scientific conferences and DOE program review meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A PhD degree in relevant fields (including but not limited to Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering).
• Industry or research experience (including doctoral research) in rechargeable battery systems.
• Demonstrated research expertise in at least one of these areas: sulfur, sodium, and lithium batteries, supported by a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI and/or machine learning methods to battery materials development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific publications and presentations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in synthesis of battery materials.
• Skilled in advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron, neutron, and electron-based methods.
• Experience in pouch cell fabrication and testing.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Essential functions such as: lifting of 30 pounds; the ability to run a mile; successfully pass a stress test, climb a ladder or more, etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $83,000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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