Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar in the Energy Conversion Group. The role involves experimental research on electrochemical devices, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and related systems. Responsibilities include device fabrication, testing, diagnostics, component characterization, integration, and validation. The scholar will collaborate with industry and research partners to develop diagnostic methods, identify performance and durability challenges, and validate solutions. Research will also focus on electrochemical reactions, material properties, and structure–function relationships across multiple time and length scales.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available

• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays

• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs

• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

You will:

• Develop testing protocols to assess performance and degradation of AEM electrolyzers and components.

• Develop advanced diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability limitations and mitigation strategies.

• Apply in-situ and operando characterization techniques, such as Raman, FTIR, XPS, XCT, and neutron imaging.

• Meet project milestones and report progress to sponsors.

• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences and meetings.

• Follow Berkeley Lab and ETA safety requirements.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across industry, academia, and national laboratories.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Interact with the LBNL electrochemistry community (with extensive experience in batteries, modeling of batteries and fuel cells, electrode material synthesis, spectroscopy, detailed diagnostics, and cell design) to aid in electrochemistry research.

We are looking for:

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or closely related field.

• Hands-on experience with membrane-based (AEM/BPM/PEM) electrochemical devices such as water/CO2/hydrocarbon electrolyzers, fuel cells (low- and intermediate-temperatures) or related devices.

• Strong background in chemical engineering, electrochemistry and materials science

• High in ownership, self-motivation and confidence in solving extremely hard problems in collaborative research settings

• Committed to laboratory safety, housekeeping and best practices at Berkeley Lab

• Familiarity with data and image processing

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as technical writing.

• Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new fields to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills

• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment and collaborate with researchers from various backgrounds

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

• Knowledge of constitutive relations and continuum theories