Postdoctoral Appointee - Advanced Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries

at Argonne National Laboratory in Springfield, Illinois, United States Job Description The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a?

Postdoctoral Appointee?to conduct research focused on the development of?long-life, high-density cathode materials?for electrochemical energy storage systems under the guidance of a supervising scientist. The successful candidate will play a leading role in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced layered oxide cathode materials for?lithium-ion?and?sodium-ion?batteries. This work will include the use of advanced synthesis methods, electrochemical testing, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to understand material behavior and improve next-generation energy storage technologies. Key Responsibilities + Develop and synthesize layered oxide precursor materials using a?continuously stirred tank reactor ( CSTR ), with control over morphology, particle size, and composition + Conduct?physical, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical characterization?of layered oxide cathode materials using a range of analytical techniques + Establish relationships between the?physical and chemical properties?of layered oxide cathodes and their?electrochemical performance?in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems + Perform advanced characterization using?synchrotron-based X-ray techniques?to investigate material behavior and interfacial chemistry during synthesis and battery operation + Develop mechanistic understanding of cathode operation and degradation, and identify pathways to improve the performance and safety of advanced electrochemical cells + Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings through: + manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals + presentations at scientific conferences + internal reports + and group meeting presentations ? Position Requirements + Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science,or equivalent + Required hands-on experience?with?co-precipitation synthesis using a CSTR reactor?for the production oflayered oxide precursors and cathode materials + Strong background in?electrochemistry, including experience performing and interpreting: + galvanostatic testing of half-cells and full cells + electrochemical impedance spectroscopy ( EIS ) + andcyclic voltammetry + Familiarity with?synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques, including diffraction and spectroscopy, particularly for?in situ?studies of materials and interfacial chemistry under synthesis conditions and during high-temperature, high-voltage, or high-rate operation + Significant experience in evaluating the?thermal stability and safety?of cathode materials and battery systems using techniques such as: + thermogravimetric analysis ( TGA ) + TGA -mass spectrometry ( TGA -MS) + and related methods + Broad understanding of materials science concepts relevant to electrochemical systems, including?oxides, composites, and electrochemical interfaces, with the ability to apply insights from related research areas to solve battery materials challenges + Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and interpret experimental results effectively + Strong?oral and written communication skills, along with a solid publication record and evidence of growing recognition in relevant research areas + Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork ? Job Family Postdoctoral Job Profile Postdoctoral Appointee Worker Type Long-Term (Fixed Term) Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00. 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. Click here (https://www.anl.gov/hr/healthcare-insurance) to view Argonne employee benefits! As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. 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