Research Associate-Experimental

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource invites applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate focused on applying in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray characterization to develop cathodes for Li-metal and Na-ion batteries using earth abundant materials.

You will study high capacity earth abundant cathodes for Li-metal and earth abundant anodes for Na-ion storage, using X-ray techniques to understand cycling and degradation, and potentially publish

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Experience with synchrotron X-ray characterization of battery materials.
• Experience in electrochemistry.
• Strong experimental, analytical and computation skills; Python or similar analysis tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop in situ and operando X-ray studies of battery cathodes and anodes.
• Characterize cycling and degradation mechanisms during battery operation.
• Publish lead-author manuscripts and present findings.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers during the summer.
• Collaborate with SLAC staff and collaborators on project goals.

Skills

X-ray characterization

Electrochemistry

Python/data analysis

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry or engineering

Tools

X-ray diffraction

X-ray spectroscopy

Transmission XRM

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.

Applicants must provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae which includes a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

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.