Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team. The Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct experimental work on water / CO2 electrolyzers and related electrochemical devices, including membrane-electrode assembly device fabrication, testing, and associated electrochemical measurements and materials characterization. The work includes fundamental interface and component fabrication (catalysts, catalyst / electrolyte interfaces, and membranes), integration and simulation, and collaboration with research partners to develop and utilize diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability barriers and develop strategies to overcome them. Emphasis is on understanding electrochemistry and heterogeneous reactions and component material properties, including structure / function relationships across multiple time and length scales with a focus on electrical double-layer formation and structure.

What You Will Do :

• Develop scientific research hypotheses and design efficient experiments for electrochemical devices, including membrane-based water / CO2 electrolyzers and electrosynthesis devices.
• Assemble and test membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) devices with techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, polarization curves, and correlate materials / device behaviors with electrochemical measurements.
• Work with model cell systems including H-cells and interdigitated electrodes to isolate specific electrolyte / EDL effects.
• Perform basic characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM / EDS, FIB-SEM, TEM) and data interpretation; conduct in-situ / operando spectroscopic characterization (e.g., surface-enhanced in-situ Raman and ambient-pressure XPS).
• Fabricate catalyst ink, electrodes, and coated membranes for MEA devices.
• Quantify and analyze gas and liquid products using GC, HPLC, ICP-MS, and / or NMR for CO2 reduction / electrosynthesis products or degraded components from MEA devices.
• Apply fundamental principles to address complex behaviors of MEA devices.
• Perform multi-physics simulation and modeling for water and CO2 electrolyzers.
• Meet time-sensitive milestones and manage multiple tasks.
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to publications, and present at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
• Adhere to Lab and building safety requirements.
• Collaborate with a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds and interface with research teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories, adjusting research priorities as needed.

Additional Responsibilities as needed :

What is Required :

Desired Qualifications :

For consideration, please apply by November 15, 2025 with the following application materials :

Notes :

This is a full-time 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on 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 is $6,891 to $7,609 per month and is expected to start at $6,891 per month or above. Postdoctoral salaries are determined by union contract and postdoctoral step rates. FY26 postdoc rates are under consideration and may be adjusted.

This position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated to determine relevance to responsibilities and requirements. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

This position is based on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

Interested in working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit : careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer : Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism, 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 and supports affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts in line with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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