Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division (ESDR) is looking for a next-generation leader and Scientist to join their Energy Conversion Group (ECG)!

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work within our dynamic and diverse team to move the technologies of tomorrow to today, with a focus on electrochemical energy-conversion technologies (electrolysis and fuel cells). You will work within a multidisciplinary team of researchers across the Lab, other national labs, academia, and industry to realize electrochemical energy-conversion technologies, with a focus on hydrogen (generation and use), CO2 reduction, and electrochemical chemical transformations. Collaborating with a diverse team of researchers and interacting with research consortia the Career-Track Research Scientist will work to leverage fundamental understandings to solve applied technical problems for performance and durability of next-generation technologies. You will be responsible for guiding and supervising research and technical support staff and students on projects, planning, and executing research tasks and IP development, as well as contributing to publications and presentations, and communicating with funding sponsors.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research in the fields of electrolysis (water, CO2, chemical synthesis, etc.) and membrane-electrode structures and formation from colloidal suspensions for solid-state electrochemical devices, polymer-electrolyte fuel cells, and related electrochemical energy-conversion systems. 

• Execute effective work plans for multiple projects, collect and analyze data to establish structure- formation correlations, and use findings to elucidate the underlying origins of material function. 

• Provide guidance and supervision to research and technical support staff, including Postdoctoral Fellows and Student Assistants. 

• May collaborate with existing and potential funding sponsors, program managers, and technical colleagues at DOE and industrial research partners. 

• Prepare and deliver written and oral reports for existing programs directly to project sponsors. 

• Disseminate research through various technical meetings, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and reports. 

• Identify funding opportunities, and help prepare proposals. Maycommunicate directly with the funding agency and external collaborations with industry and academia working on low-temperature water electrolysis and electrosynthesis. 

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) and program manager on relevant projects including fundamental studies of charged colloids and inks and their relation to fuel-cell and electrolyzer research. 

• Participate in lab-wide activities on the development of hydrogen and manufacturing technologies. 

• Ensure safe practice and equipment maintenance including equipment purchasing and customization, troubleshooting and maintenance, design/implementation of novel experimental apparati and diagnostic techniques, and training. 

• Develop and enact principles fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree (or equivalent training/knowledge) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on materials used for electrochemical systems and up to five years of relevant research experience in electrochemical phenomena and closely related technologies or equivalent education. 

• Demonstrated experience successfully executing multiple projects in multiple cross-disciplinary fields simultaneously. 

• Expertise in integration of multiple components and deconvoluting interfacial structure-property characterization. 

• Fluency in the use of electrochemical techniques including kinetic analysis, impedance, voltammetry, and polarization analysis. 

• Excellent academic record and evaluations.

• Broad technical knowledge, expertise, and characterization ingenuity in the field of charged colloids and their relation to electrochemical phenomena. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary team environment. 

• Exceptional written communication skills including writing proposals for federal resources and contributing to publications in refereed journals. 

• Excellent oral communication skills, including experience with presenting material to scientific and nonscientific audiences. 

• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize many competing deadlines

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field and two+ years of related experience.

• Established record of scientific publications, presentations, and impact.

• Experience with ion-conducting polymers and associated diagnostics. 

• Demonstrated ability to independently carry out creative research with a proven record of publications and achievements

For full consideration, please apply by August 14, 2023 with the following application materials:

• Curriculum vitae - Including three references’ names who are familiar with your capabilities and research.

• Cover letter - Describe your background and provide a short description of the research that you would like to pursue should you be chosen for this position. Also, in the cover letter, provide a short summary (½ page) of your research experience as it relates to the research you are proposing for this position. 

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year Career Track (Term) appointment, with the possibility of extension or conversion to career appointment, based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

• The budgeted monthly salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $11,030.00 - $12,191.00. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• 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:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.