Molten Salt Thermochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher

The Materials Science Divisions at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL ) seek highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Minerals for Energy Storage Synthesis (MINES) program of the Lithium Resource Research and Innovation Center (LiRRIC). MINES postdocs collaborate across disciplines to enable revolutionary advances in battery materials development from natural mineral resources for the Department of Energy Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences program. 

 

 

The Challenge: Design materials synthesis reactions using molten salts as reactive media, and characterize associated precursors, products, and processes.

The multidisciplinary MINES program led by Michael Whittaker, Gerbrand Ceder, Mark Asta, Martin Kunz, and Raluca O. Scarlat, will establish fundamental science for the synthesis of battery materials from natural resources, enabling a new ‘separation-by-synthesis’ paradigm for energy storage manufacturing. 

As a MINES Postdoctoral Fellow, you will be a part of a multidisciplinary team composed of researchers whose expertise spans Materials Science, Chemistry, Geochemistry, Electrochemistry, X-ray and Electron Physics, Nuclear Science and Engineering, Mineralogy, and Data Science working together to develop fundamental science needed to enable next-generation battery synthesis pathways. 

What You Will Do:

• Predict, design, simulate, synthesize, and/or characterize battery materials using molten salts.

• Optimize material synthesis pathways from natural resources with automated experimental techniques such as diffraction, spectroscopy, calorimetry, and electrochemistry.

• Disseminate results of research activities through refereed publications, reports, conference presentations, preprints, and code repositories.

• Participate in group meetings, seminars, and conferences both virtually and in person.

• Produce reproducible results through digital documentation and open-source dissemination.

• Maintain a robust and inclusive safety culture.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Geoscience, Computational Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or other related fields.

• Demonstrated research experience and knowledge in areas of related expertise.

• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Publication record commensurate with experience.

• Experience designing and synthesizing materials.

• Experience with thermodynamic analysis, including CALPHAD, ThermoCalc, FactSage, or similar.

• Experience with molten salt electrochemistry.

Why Join Us: 

• Be a part of a cutting-edge team at the forefront of clean energy research.

• Access state-of-the-art instrumentation at Berkeley Lab, enabling groundbreaking discoveries.

• Collaborate with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds in a supportive environment.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 years, 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 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374 - $6,444 and is expected to start at $5,374 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• 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.

• Desired start date is as soon as possible.

 

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.