Postdoctoral Fellow (Organic Synthesis & Polymer Chemistry) - 90388

Organization:  ED-Energy Storage & Distributed Resources

 

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the area of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry/materials for high energy density electrical energy storage applications.

 

In this role, you will work in a dynamic team environment on an industry-focused project. Your work will focus on new polymer binder development for Si materials in lithium-ion batteries and surface protection for Li metal electrodes. We are looking for someone with hands-on skills in various metrology to quantify attributes with standard deviation for quantifying electrochemical active vs inactive materials at various stages of device function.  

 

What You Will Do:

• Design and synthesize functional polymers that possess the required properties to be used for binder adhesive of Si-based lithium-ion batteries.

• Multistep design and synthesis of functional organics possess the required properties to be used for lithium metal batteries.

• Modify the surface of Si and Sn particles and graft organic functionalities on the Si and Sn particles. 

• Use modern characterization techniques including NMR, GPC, DTA, DSC, x-ray, FTIR, SEM, and TEM to characterize the new materials. 

• Use cryo-microtome and electron microscopy techniques to investigate the morphology of the nanoparticle/conductive polymer electrode composites.

• Perform electrochemical tests of the materials. 

• Construct lithium-ion electrodes and fabricate lithium-ion ion cells.

• Perform the electrochemistry testing of the lithium-ion cells.

• Analyze experimental data includes applying computer analysis and simulation programs to interpret experimental data.

• Collaborate in the development of research proposals and new scientific initiatives.

• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations regarding the research finding.

• Carry out collaborative research and discuss the progression and findings with research associates, postdoctoral scholars, visiting scientists, and students.

 

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. in Organic Synthesis and Polymer Chemistry with a strong emphasis on Synthetic Chemistry and Material Characterization.

• Must have experience in purifying chemicals and cross verify purity using various analytical techniques.

• Must have proven expertise in organic synthesis, NMR, spectroscopic, and electron microscopic characterization.

• Must have taken advanced organic synthesis related courses during graduate study.

• Knowledge of statistical analysis (Eg. JMP) for getting high-level trends for surface protection properties vs polymer functionality, electrochemical performance vs polymer functionality, etc.

• The ability to carry out air-sensitive material synthesis using Schlenk techniques, with demonstrated success on conductive polymer design and synthesis.

• The ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.

• Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative efforts as a member of a diverse research team.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

 

What We Prefer:

• Experience in electrochemistry and lithium-ion battery materials and cell testing.

• Experience on Si or Sn based materials.

• Experience in surface reaction and grafting on particles.

 

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on June 22, 2020.

 

Notes:

• This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 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.

 

How To Apply

Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=182092 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.

 

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) 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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources (http://postdocresources.lbl.gov/) site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association (http://postdoc.lbl.gov/) site.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/PayTransparencyNondiscrimination.html) under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.