Job TitleAssociate Scientist - SLAC-Stanford Battery Center

Position Overview :

The Applied Energy Division at SLAC is currently seeking an Associate Scientist to support research efforts in battery materials and advanced characterization.

The Associate Scientist will focus on exciting opportunities in fundamental and applied battery science. Specific topics cover aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical systems based on earth abundant chemistries, cathodes and electrolytes for lithium-sulfur, solid-state electrolytes and interphases and Na-ion chemistries.

Additional topics include electrocatalysis, electrochemical CO2 capture and conversion, developing multi-scale, and multi-modal operando methods for mechanistic investigation and battery informatics.

The Associate Scientist will contribute to existing programs and develop new programs.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a DOE national lab operated by Stanford University, is a multi-program laboratory for photon science, particle physics and astrophysics, applied energy, materials science, biomedicine, and ultra-fast X-ray science.

The Associate Scientist will be a member of the new SLAC-Stanford Battery Research Center in the Applied Energy Division.

The Applied Energy Division conducts research in energy storage, the electric grid, water desalination, and manufacturing with a focus on the energy transition, sustainability, and climate change.

Extensive opportunities exist for collaboration with the SLAC LCLS free-electron X-ray laser, SLAC SSRL synchrotron light source, Stanford-SLAC Cryo-EM Facility, PULSE ultrafast, SIMES materials, SUNCAT catalysis.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Your specific responsibilities include :

• Design and execute experiments in synthesis and characterization of next-generation high-capacity earth-abundant battery materials such as sulfur, sulfide, and halide based solid-electrolytes.
• Design and develop high capacity earth abundant cathode materials for lithium and Na-ion batteries
• Develop and use advanced analytical techniques such as in situ synchrotron X-rays and cryogenic electron microscopy for mechanistic investigation.
• Develop and utilize advanced electrochemical methods and techniques for battery testing and diagnostics.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers, speak at scientific meetings, develop relationships with program managers at the DOE and other funding agencies, and write research proposals.
• Present research motivation, methods, analyses, results and conclusions.
• Work as a task leader, as needed, for tasks of moderate complexity.
• Serve as a technical resource for project managers.

Note : The Associate Scientist is a 3-to-5-year fixed term research staff position. The next-higher level of the scientist career path, Staff Scientist, is a regular continuing position.

The Associate position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period, or sooner if warranted for particularly qualified staff members, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.

Appointment to the Staff Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.

To be successful in this position you will bring :

Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field such as Applied Physics, and minimum two years of research experience / coursework in the following areas : Electrochemistry.

Materials Chemistry including polymer science / engineering. Physical / Solid-state Chemistry or Physics Nano and meso-scale materials design, synthesis, and characterization.

Developing and delivering research activities, including progress reports, proposals, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.

• Research record as evidenced by a publication record commensurate with level of work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, collaborate closely with colleagues conducting research, and participate in the writing of scientific proposals to fund research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to collaborate across organizations and manage / lead cross-functional efforts.

In addition, preferred requirements include :

• Experience with synchrotron radiation and various X-ray scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging techniques such as diffraction, tomography, and photoemission spectroscopy.
• Experience in combining laboratory experiments and studies in practical industrial environments.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical clients.
• Ability to lead activities on structured team development projects.
• Ability to select, adopt and effectively use a variety of engineering methods.
• Experience managing individual project priorities, deadlines and deliverables.
• Flexibility and interest to work independently in a dynamic, startup environment.

SLAC employee competencies :

• Effective Decisions : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability : Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability : Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions :

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Standards :

• Interpersonal Skills : Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety : Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security;

communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities :

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

Classification Title : Associate Scientist

Grade : K

Job code : 1092

Duration : Fixed Term

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 to $171,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory / Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.

The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.