Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

3d • $7,029 - $8,152 • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar in the Energy Conversion Group. The position involves experimental research on electrochemical devices, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and related systems. The scholar will fabricate, test, diagnose, characterize, integrate, and validate devices and components, and collaborate with industry and research partners to develop diagnostic methods, identify performance and durability challenges, and validate solutions. Research will also examine electrochemical reactions, material properties, and structure–function relationships across multiple time and length scales.

This is a full-time, two-year postdoctoral appointment, with possible renewal depending on satisfactory job performance, continued funding, and operational needs. The position is performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, and is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Applicants must have less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary is based on post-degree experience and a union step schedule; the monthly range is $7,029–$8,152, with an expected starting salary of $7,029 or above. The role is subject to a background check and requires acceptable identification to access the Lab site.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with membrane-based (AEM/BPM/PEM) electrochemical devices, such as water, CO2, or hydrocarbon electrolyzers; low- or intermediate-temperature fuel cells; or related devices.
• Strong background in chemical engineering, electrochemistry, and materials science.
• High ownership, self-motivation, and confidence solving extremely difficult problems in collaborative research settings.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, housekeeping, and best practices at Berkeley Lab.
• Familiarity with data and image processing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing.
• Ability to learn rapidly, integrate new fields, and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team and collaborate with researchers from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to work as an independent researcher with strong scientific judgment and initiative.
• Knowledge of constitutive relations and continuum theories.
• Less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated initiative in taking cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
• Experience with electrochemistry and transport phenomena.
• AI/ML experience for experimental data and metadata management.
• Familiarity with catalyst synthesis and characterization.
• Good data etiquette and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop testing protocols to assess performance and degradation of anion-exchange-membrane (AEM) electrolyzers and components.
• Develop advanced diagnostic methods to identify performance and durability limitations and mitigation strategies.
• Apply in-situ and operando characterization techniques, including 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.
• Interact with the LBNL electrochemistry community to support electrochemistry research.
• Fabricate, test, diagnose, characterize, integrate, and validate electrochemical devices and components.
• Investigate electrochemical reactions, material properties, and structure–function relationships across multiple time and length scales.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options.
• 24 days of Personal Time Off per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays.
• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs.
• Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association opportunities for networking, social events, professional development, and scientific exchange.
• Collaborative and inclusive culture supporting research career growth and belonging.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree