Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks aPostdoctoral Appointeeto conduct research focused on the development ofhigh-energy, long-cycle-life lithium-sulfur batteriesemploying bothliquid and solid-state electrolytes using artificial intelligence, under the guidance of a supervisor.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving thesynthesis, physical and chemical characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of sulfur cathodesin bothcoin-cellandpouch-cellformats.

This role includes establishing correlations between thephysical and chemical propertiesof sulfur cathodes, electrolytes and theirelectrochemical performance. The candidate is also expected to have experience working with a range ofliquid and solid electrolytesfor lithium-sulfur battery systems.

In addition, the postdoctoral appointee will perform advanced characterization of battery materials using synchrotron-based X-ray techniquesto develop mechanistic understanding of material behavior and electrochemical performance. Responsibilities also include analyzing experimental data, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presenting research findings at scientific conferences, and preparing reports and presentations for group meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develophigh-energy-density, long-life lithium-sulfur batteriesusing liquid and solid-state electrolytes

• Synthesize and optimizesulfur cathode materialsand related host structures

• Performphysical, chemical, and structural characterizationof battery material

• Fabricate and evaluate lithium-sulfur cells incoin-cellandpouch-cellconfigurations

• Investigate the relationships betweenmaterial properties, interfacial behavior, and electrochemical performance

• Work with a variety ofliquid and solid electrolytes, including sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes

• Applyadvanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron X-ray probes, to study battery materials and interfaces

• Conduct electrochemical testing, includingcyclic voltammetry (CV),electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), andgalvanostatic cycling

• Analyze and interpret experimental data to provide insight into battery mechanisms and performance limitations

• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations for internal and external audiences

• Present research results atgroup meetings,scientific conferences, and other professional forums

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field

• Experience leveraging artificial intelligence or machine learning in the development of battery electrolytes and catalyst materials

• Demonstrated expertise inlithium-sulfur battery materialsandelectrolyte systems

• Strong skills in thesynthesis and structural optimization of host materialsfor lithium-sulfur batteries

• Experience in thesynthesis, processing, and characterization of solid-state electrolytes, particularlysulfide-based electrolytes, for energy storage applications

• Knowledge ofinterfacial engineering strategies, such as surface coatings, to suppresslithium dendrite formation

• Hands-on experience in thefabrication and testing of all-solid-state cells, includingcoin-celland/ormodel cellconfigurations

• Knowledge ofsynchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques, such asX-ray diffraction (XRD)andX-ray spectroscopy, particularly forin situ/operando studiesof materials and interfacial chemistry during battery cycling

• Strong understanding ofelectrochemistry, with the ability to perform and interpretCV, EIS, and galvanostatic testing

• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental results

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively onmultiple concurrent projects

• Strongwritten and oral communication skills, with a record ofpeer-reviewed publicationsand recognition in a relevant research area

• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. 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, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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