Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Hacking Materials Research Group in the Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.
In this exciting role, you will be performing theory, simulation, and data mining to screen materials for energy applications. The main project will use an automatic optimization framework coupled with DFT calculation to identify electrocatalysts and sorbents for water purification.

What You Will Do:

• Perform density functional theory calculations on surfaces to identify electrocatalytic and electrosorption activity.

• Apply optimization routines to the search for new catalyst compositions.

• Run calculations on large supercomputing facilities.

• Train and deploy machine learning models.

• Collaborate with experimental teams.

• Apply data mining techniques to identify the characteristics of materials responsible for high performance.

• Participate in research activities focused on development and applications of novel algorithms, approaches and software in the area of material informatics and data mining.

• Develop software implementation of the above analyses.

• Communicate progress/results in presentations and publications and develop professional skills.

• Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety requirements and guidance. 

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D.  in chemistry, physics, and/or materials science or relevant field.

• Strong experience in density functional theory calculations.

• Background in catalysis or water purification strongly preferred.

• A strong background in programming, e.g., as demonstrated through completed university coursework or via a portfolio of prior code written.

• Programming background in Python is a prerequisite.

• Prior experience with data mining techniques is a major plus.

• Prior experience in surface calculations is a major plus.

• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

• Able to work independently.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience with "Materials Project" software suite (pymatgen, FireWorks, atomate, matminer).

• Experience with the MongoDB NoSQL database system.

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.

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

• The monthly salary range for this position is $7,455 / mo - $8,326.00 / mo  and is expected to start at $7,455 / mo or above.  Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be 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 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.

 

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:

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