Electrochemical Engineering Postdoctoral Scholar

LBL • $82K — $91K *
Berkeley, CA 94704In-Person
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field.
  • Experience with mathematical modeling, particularly continuum modeling in fuel cells at various scales.
  • Familiarity with high performance computing, AI/ML, and surrogate model development for multiscale analysis.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a focus on technical writing.
  • Ability to learn rapidly and integrate diverse fields to showcase creative problem-solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Knowledge of electrochemistry and related diagnostic methods for fuel cells.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and refine mathematical models for multiphysical transport within electrochemical cells.
  • Analyze simulation results to identify limiting performance factors and propose novel mathematical constructs.
  • Conduct microstructural simulations of transient phenomena in single components.
  • Implement AI/ML techniques for developing surrogate models.
  • Validate modeling activities and compare simulations against experimental data.
  • Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
  • Collaborate with researchers from various disciplines and maintain safety protocols.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for a full-time 2-year postdoctoral position with potential renewal.
  • Experience working on cutting-edge research in energy technology and systems.
  • Access to collaborate with experts in the field from diverse academic and industrial backgrounds.
  • Involvement in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • Participation in the LBNL fuel cell and electrochemistry community.
Full Job Description
In this exciting role, you will simulate mathematically fuel cell systems and other related electrochemical devices and their components under both steady state and transient operation in The Energy Conversion Group at Energy Technologies and Systems Division of the Energy Technologies Area. Your work will entail model development, validation, and execution including collaboration with research partners, to verify and explain predicted trends seen in experimental data. The model should identify critical barriers and provide strategies to enable performance optimization and durability mitigation. In addition to cell level modeling, particular emphasis will be on understanding multi-ion transport and durability stressors including structure/function relationships across multiple time and length scales. Additionally, incorporating AI/ML into the multiphysics models via surrogate models or other data-driven methods will be a focus in this position.

You will:
  • Develop and refine mathematical models to examine multidimensional, multiphysics, transport within an electrochemical cell including its various constitutive layers (e.g., porous transport layers, gas-diffusion and microporous layers, membrane, and catalyst layers).
  • Analyze the results to examine limiting factors in performance as well as identify areas of deficiency in the model and propose new mathematical constructs to deal with them.
  • Pursue microstructural simulations of transient phenomena within single components.
  • Use AI/ML approaches (e.g., physics-informed neural networks) for surrogate model development
  • Validate model activities and comparison of simulation to experimental data for both input parameters and output results.
  • Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific publications; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
  • Adhere with the Berkeley Lab and ETA safety requirements.
  • Work on meeting milestones and reporting them to DOE and industrial sponsors
  • Collaborate and work with a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds, and interface with research teams from across industry, academia, and national laboratories


Additional Responsibilities as needed:
  • Work on experimental characterization of cell performance and measurement of component properties.
  • Interact with the LBNL fuel cell and electrochemistry community (with extensive experience in batteries, modeling of batteries and fuel cells, electrode material synthesis, spectroscopy, detailed diagnostics, and cell design) to aid in electrochemistry research.
  • Participate in professional society activities.


We are looking for:
  • PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or closely related field.
  • Experience with mathematical modeling (i.e., continuum modeling) including in the application of transport phenomena in fuel cells or related devices and at various scales.
  • Familiarity with high performance computing and code development and use including the use of AI/ML and surrogate model development for multiscale analysis
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written as well as technical writing.
  • Ability to learn rapidly and integrate new fields to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills
  • Ability and willingness to work in a team environment and collaborate with researchers from various backgrounds
  • Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative.
  • Knowledge of electrochemistry and related diagnostic methods and materials for fuel cells (both low and intermediate temperatures).
  • Knowledge of constitutive relations and continuum theories.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative for tackling cross-disciplinary research problems from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
  • Experience with electrochemistry, hydrogen fuel cells, and transport phenomena.
  • Demonstrated strong experience with finite-element methods and Comsol.
  • Familiarity with machine learning and associated big data techniques.


For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
  • Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.


Additional information:

  • Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
  • Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: This position will be primarily performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
  • Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.


Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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