Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Materials Sciences Division has an opening for an Energy Materials Postdoctoral Researcher to join the team.
 
In this exciting role, you will synthesize and characterize Li-cathode materials to understand how the structure factors (including crystallinity, particle size, defects, carbon layers, etc) affect the performance degradation during battery cycling. For this specific project, you will synthesize Li-cathode materials, apply carbon/inorganic coating on the cathode materials, and characterize bulk and surface structure of Li-cathode materials using ex situ and operando techniques.
 
What You Will Do:

• Synthesis of inorganic lithium transition metal oxide cathode materials.
• Conduct carbon/inorganic coating on the oxide cathode materials.
• Prepare and test the Li-battery cells.
• Conduct ex situ and operando characterization to understand performance degradation mechanisms.
• Participate in team discussions and communicate with collaborators.
• Assist with writing reports and presentations. 
• Write peer-reviewed papers and patents. 

 
Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Synthesis of Li-conducting solid-state electrolytes. 
• Solid-state battery cell assembly and test.

 
What is Required:

• Successful candidates must have a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field by the commencement of employment. 
• Experience in synthesis of inorganic lithium transition metal oxide compounds.
• Experience in structure/morphology characterization for lithium battery materials. 
• Experience in using X-ray based characterization and analysis, including Rietveld refinement.
• Experience in electrochemical analysis on rechargeable battery systems.
• Familiarity with lithium batteries.

 
Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in using synchrotron-based characterization techniques is strongly preferred but not essential.

 
For full consideration, please apply with the following application materials: 

• Curriculum vitae - Including publication lists and three references’ names who are familiar with your capabilities and research.
• Cover letter (2 pages maximum) - Describe your research background and provide a short description of the research that you would like to pursue should you be chosen for this position.  

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 1 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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