Postdoctoral Fellow - Solid-State Battery Chemist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow (Solid-State Battery Chemist) to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work in the Energy Storage and Distributed Resources (ESDR) Division. This position supports the research activities in the Electrochemistry Group in developing the next-generation batteries for use in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The incumbent will develop research focusing on ceramic solid electrolyte synthesis and processing, advanced characterization, fabrication and electrochemical testing of cell components for rechargeable all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

What You Will Do:

• Synthesize ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes such as LLZO and halides.

• Prepare dense ceramic layers and fabricate cell components with controlled interfaces.

• Use electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, diffusivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry etc.) to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic properties of battery materials and interfacial process occurring between the electrode and solid electrolyte.

• Perform advanced diagnostic studies to probe ion transport and reaction mechanisms in lithium batteries. Techniques may include scanning and transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy.

• Perform complex data analysis and interpret experimental results.

• Prepare manuscripts and reports.

• Publish research findings in high-impact peer reviewed journals.

• Make presentations at scientific meetings and seminars.

• Review literature and stay current on research in the field.

• Carry out collaborative research with research associates, post-doctoral scholars, visiting scientists and students at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) as well as colleagues in other national labs and universities.

• Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.

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

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Participate in research proposal writing.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Material Sciences, or closely related field.

• Profound knowledge of solid-state chemistry and rechargeable lithium-ion battery field.

• Experience with solid-state battery research and related synthesis and analytical techniques, particularly experience on synthesis and processing of ceramic and glassy solid-state electrolytes.

• Extensive experience with inorganic synthesis, battery electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing, standard electroanalytical techniques (CV, chronoamperometry etc.), and a range of characterization instruments such as XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC, visible-UV, FTIR, Raman, and synchrotron-related spectroscopy.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, conduct independent research and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative, as well as to collaborate with other researchers in a diverse team.

• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of ceramics sintering/processing techniques and related equipment.

For consideration, please apply by October 1, 2025 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

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 $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / 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. Please note that the FY26 Postdoc rates have not been determined yet so this may be updated.

• This position is 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.

• This position is eligible for onsite only, at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.