Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials/CAER

About the role

The Postdoctoral Scholar will lead research efforts focused on the development and optimization of advanced energy storage systems utilizing coal-derived and other carbon materials as battery electrodes. The successful candidate will conduct experimental research spanning materials development, electrochemical characterization, and device-level testing to advance the understanding and performance of synthetic carbon-based electrodes for energy storage technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on coal-derived synthetic carbon for energy storage applications.
• Design, fabricate, and evaluate electrochemical cells, including coin cells and pouch cells, to assess performance metrics such as specific capacity, Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cycle life.
• Perform comprehensive pre- and post-cycling characterization of materials using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV).
• Develop and implement advanced electrochemical methodologies to investigate charge storage mechanisms, performance limitations, and degradation pathways in carbon-based electrode materials.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to establish structure-property-performance relationships and guide material optimization.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, adhere to established safety protocols, and contribute to a safe and productive research environment.
• Absorb and present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including internal and external research partners, and remain current with emerging developments in battery materials and energy storage.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong publication and presentation track record.
• Experience in independently conducting publication quality research expediently.
• Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials processing and characterization.
• Knowledge of coal liquefaction, distillation, pitch processing, coking.
• Knowledge of battery fabrication and characterization.
• Ability to record and keep accurate lab records and data.
• Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication.

Skills

• Independent, disciplined researchers.
• Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials processing and characterization.
• Knowledge of coal liquefaction, distillation, pitch processing, coking.
• Knowledge of battery fabrication and characterization.
• Ability to record and keep accurate lab records and data.
• Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$61,008/year

Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)