Research Associate - Electrochemical Energy Storage

About the role

The Chemistry Division invites applications for a two-year term Research Associate position in the Electrochemical Energy Storage (EES) Group. The successful candidate will contribute to advanced battery research through materials development and characterization. Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding. The appointee will conduct research in one or more of the following areas: sulfur, sodium, and lithium batteries. In addition to experimental research, the candidate is expected to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches to accelerate materials discovery and optimization. A key component of the role includes correlating materials design with physical, chemical, and mechanical properties using advanced characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on sulfur, sodium, and lithium battery systems within the EES Group.
• Design and synthesize electrode and electrolyte materials.
• Perform electrochemical evaluations.
• Conduct advanced structural and chemical characterization using state-of-the-art techniques.
• Integrate AI and ML approaches to accelerate materials discovery and data-driven optimization.
• Coordinate research activities with academic and industrial collaborators.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Present results at scientific conferences and DOE program review meetings.

Requirements

• PhD degree in relevant fields (including but not limited to Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering).
• Industry or research experience (including doctoral research) in rechargeable battery systems.
• Demonstrated research expertise in at least one of these areas: sulfur, sodium, and lithium batteries, supported by a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI and/or machine learning methods to battery materials development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific publications and presentations.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements: essential functions such as lifting of 30 pounds; the ability to run a ½ mile; successfully pass a stress test; climb a ladder or more, etc.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements.
• Must produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Skills

• Experience in synthesis of battery materials.
• Skilled in advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron, neutron, and electron-based methods.
• Experience in pouch cell fabrication and testing.

Pay

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $83,000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.