Battery Data Analytics and Failure Analysis Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in materials, chemical, mechanical, electrical, data, or computer science or a comparable discipline for the Energy Storage Research and Analysis Department.

About the role

The successful candidate will specialize in high-throughput battery data analysis to characterize, identify, and explain battery degradation and failure modes and their underlying mechanisms. The researcher will work within an interdisciplinary team of test engineers, battery scientists, data scientists, and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) model developers. The team investigates how application-specific operating conditions and duty cycles affect battery performance, life, and safety.

A central objective of this position is to translate large, complex experimental datasets into physically meaningful insights that support root-cause analysis and improved battery technologies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex datasets in the time and frequency domains.
• Identify diagnostic signatures of battery degradation, performance loss, and failure.
• Link data-driven insights to electrochemical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical failure mechanisms.
• Develop or use scalable workflows for high-throughput battery test data.
• Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• Independently complete tasks aligned with core expertise and provide timely updates to the project lead and team members.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field (completed within the previous 5 years).
• Prior experience with Li or Li-ion battery electrochemical and non-electrochemical testing and/or data analysis.
• Familiarity with conventional and non-conventional test methods supporting failure mode analysis.
• Experience using Python, Matlab, or similar software (highly desired).
• Knowledge of and experience using advanced data analysis techniques, including AI/ML (a plus).
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment.
• Use hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Operate job-related equipment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with others.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule

The team works a 9x80 schedule located at the Idaho Falls facility, with every other Friday off.

Pay

$105,144.00 annually. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions).
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).
• Comprehensive Relocation Package.

Benefit eligibility is subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.