Electrocatalytic Systems - Postdoctoral Researcher

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research on the development of efficient catalysts and integrated electrochemical systems for upgrading carbon feedstocks and/or separations of critical materials. You will actively participate in a multidisciplinary team performing materials design, catalyst and system benchmarking, advanced characterization, and modeling and simulations. This position is in the Materials, Energy and Carbon Security group part of the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section in the Materials Science Division.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

You will

• Conduct research in electrocatalyst design, synthesis, and testing, including characterizing the reaction kinetics, materials physicochemical properties, and performance degradation.

• Develop reactors for benchmarking catalysts and electrochemical systems, and for in situ characterization of the dynamics of materials and local reaction environments.

• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of experiments to establish design principles for catalysts and scale-up of electrochemical systems.

• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.

• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary and multi-institution team environment to accomplish research goals.

• Maintain laboratory protocols and best safety practices.

• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals; and present results within the DOE community, at project team meetings, and at conferences.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience building, validating, and using electrochemistry infrastructure for the development of electrocatalytic systems.

• Experience with electrocatalyst design and establishment of catalyst structure-property relationships.

• Knowledge and experience in one or more key areas: carbon dioxide electrolyzers or related electrochemical technologies, heterogeneous electrocatalysis, electrochemical separations, in situ characterization,  polymer electrolytes.

• Ability as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute independent research projects as documented through a strong publication record of peer-reviewed literature.

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to allow effective collaboration in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with chemistry, materials, and systems relevant to electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion and/or separations of critical materials.

• Experience with conventional analytical techniques (NMR, GC, MS, HPLC, SEM, XPS, XRD, etc.) and synchrotron advanced characterization methods.

• Experience with heterogenized molecular catalysts for electrolysis.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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