Solar Hydrogen Postdoctoral Fellow

The Chemical Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) offers a Solar Hydrogen Postdoctoral position in the field of solar fuels and hydrogen production. 

 

In this role you will be a participant within DOE’s HydroGEN 2.0 program within the EnergyMaterials Network (EMN). You will work independently and also with scientists within the consortium at LBNL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to improve the efficiency and increase the durability of photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices which use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. 

 

You will experimentally characterize the chemical transformations of PEC assemblies via conventional characterization techniques, apply durability stressors and establish PEC device durability protocols, and develop a mechanistic understanding of PEC device degradation guided by theory and in operando characterization. Additionally, you will collaborate with university programs supported by HydroGEN 2.0 using specialized tools and expertise located at LBNL. Work will be guided by performance metrics which are developed via life cycle and techno- economic assessment of state of the art approaches. Synergistic collaborations with other solar fuels efforts ongoing at LBNL such as light-driven carbon dioxide reduction performed by the Liquid Sunlight Alliance are also possible.

 

 

What You Will Do:

• Experimental photoelectrochemical (PEC) testing including use of solar simulator, potentiostats, measurements of photon to current conversion efficiency, and gas chromatography.
• Structural and functional materials characterization including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
• Analytical chemistry analysis including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Thin film deposition and materials processing including atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputtering and e-beam evaporation, use of simple photolithography, furnace annealing, and rapid thermal annealing (RTA).
• Test cell fabrication using computer-controlled machine tools.
• Quantitative analysis of PEC data, application of statistical methods suitable for durability and lifetime predictions.
• Design and execution of operando measurements aimed at determining degradation rates and mechanisms in PEC water splitting devices.
• Applicable knowledge of semiconductors and light absorbing materials, electrocatalysis, and integration of protective coatings and catalysts.
• Reporting at one-on-one and collective weekly meetings.
• Written contribution to quarterly reports and to Annual Merit Review regarding project progress towards milestones and go/no-go checkpoints.
• Participation in multi-partner project meetings.
• Writing publications for peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting at conferences and internal meetings and workshops. 

 

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, or related experimental field or equivalent.
• Experience with laboratory methods relevant to PEC or to photovoltaics.
• Experience in writing papers supported by publication record.
• Deep commitment to reproducible research and to team-based efforts.
• Deep commitment to careful experimental measurements, data management, and safe laboratory operations as documented in LBNL’s Integrated Safety Management (ISM) plan.
• Strong publication record in scientific/technical journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to working effectively in a scientifically and culturally diverse environment.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and/or Techno-economic analysis (TEA).
• Experience with engineering statistics relevant to lifetime estimation.
• Experience with Design of Experiment (DoE) methods.
• Experience with automation of laboratory workflows.
• Experience with synchrotron measurements.

 

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by February 1, 2024.
• This is a full-time 2-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 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.
• Postdoctoral Fellow 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 has a targeted monthly salary range of $5,374 - $6,444 and is expected to start at $5,374 or above.
• 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.

 

 

Learn About Us:

 

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

 

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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