Research Associate-Experimental

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral Research Associate to advance in situ and operando X-ray studies of earth-abundant cathodes and anodes for Li-metal and Na-ion batteries. The role focuses on high-capacity materials, degradation mechanisms, and nondestructive detection methods for Na plating.

Applicants should have a PhD and proven experience with synchrotron X-ray techniques and electrochemistry, with strong data analysis and

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with synchrotron X-ray characterization of battery materials.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry.
• Strong experimental, analytical and computation skills. Preferably experience analyzing large datasets using python or similar analysis tools.
• Broad scientific interests and willingness to learn new skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population; good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray characterization to develop cathodes for Li-metal and Na-ion batteries.
• Characterize electrochemical cycling and degradation of earth abundant battery materials.
• Publish lead-author manuscripts and contribute to energy storage X-ray science.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers during the summer and collaborate across teams.

Skills

Synchrotron X-ray characterization

Electrochemistry

Python data analysis

Experimental skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

PhD in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, engineering

Tools

Python

Job description

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) with research interests in applying in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray characterization to develop cathodes for Li-metal and Na-ion batteries using earth abundant materials.

This position will involve working in developing high capacity, long lasting earth abundant cathodes for Li-metal and Na-ion batteries as well as earth abundant high capacity anodes for Na-ion storage. The project will focus on using X-rays to characterize the electrochemical cycling and degradation of low-Ni, high-Fe content layered oxide Na-ion battery cathodes, Na-ion anodes beyond hard carbon, and low/no Co high capacity cathodes for Li-metal batteries. Additionally, the work may include developing novel nondestructive techniques for directly detecting Na metal plating on hard carbon.

X-ray characterization such as transmission X-ray microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray spectroscopy will be used during battery cycling to understand degradation mechanisms such as particle fracturing, interparticle oxidation heterogeneity, irreversible chemical reactions, and irreparable crystal structure evolution. The RA will have the opportunity to publish lead-author manuscripts and to build a career in energy storage technologies, X-ray science, or a future teaching career. There will also be mentorship opportunities with undergraduate researchers during the summer.

Note: The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. Appointment duration is 12 months, with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• PhD in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with synchrotron X-ray characterization of battery materials.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry.
• Strong experimental, analytical and computation skills. Preferably experience analyzing large datasets using python or similar analysis tools.
• Broad scientific interests and willingness to learn new skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population; good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.