Research Associate in Battery Electrolyte Research

The Electrochemical Energy Storage group carries out research on advanced materials for batteries including Li-metal, Li-S, Li-ion, and Na-ion batteries. The group has an extensive history in the development of synchrotron-based in situ x-ray diagnostic tools for research on battery materials such as time or/and spatial resolved x-ray scattering, x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray microscopy. X-ray techniques are also combined with neutron-based scattering techniques and electron-based imaging techniques for battery research. The group also carries out research in both liquid electrolyte and solid electrolyte. The group is a member of the VTO Battery500 consortium of USDOE. For more information, please visit the group website: http://www.bnl.gov/chemistry/EES/.

Position Description

The Chemistry Division is seeking exceptional candidates for a two-year term Research Associate position in the Electrochemical Energy Storage (EES) group, in the field of battery research. The successful applicant will work on the battery electrolyte development. The successful applicant is expected to work in at least one of the following areas: lithium-ion battery electrolyte, lithium metal battery electrolyte, lithium sulfur battery electrolyte, sodium-ion battery electrolyte. The successful applicant also needs to work on advanced characterization of battery interphases using synchrotron x-ray, electron and neutron techniques.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out lithium/sodium battery electrolyte research in the EES group. The scope includes but is not limited to developing salts, solvents and additives for electrolytes of lithium-ion, lithium metal, lithium sulfur, sodium-ion batteries.
• Develop and coordinate collaborative research with collaborators from other research institutions, as well as from industrial companies.
• Prepare and write manuscripts for publications in scientific journals and present research results in scientific conferences and DOE program review meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field of study.
• At least 3 years of research experience (including the graduate research) in the rechargeable battery research field. 
• Demonstrated experience in lithium/sodium battery electrolyte research with good publication record.
• Demonstrated experience in at least one of the advanced characterization techniques: synchrotron, electron microscopy and neutron.
• Demonstrated writing and oral skills for publications and presentations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in synthesis of solvent or salt or additives for battery electrolyte.
• Experience in theoretical calculation of lithium battery electrolyte properties.
• Experience in zinc/magnesium/aluminum batteries.

Other Information:

• This is an on-site position.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $82,000 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is (to be changed) Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file