Postdoctoral Appointee Electrochemical Interface and Electrolyte Design

Postdoctoral Appointee Electrochemical Interface and Electrolyte Design

Overview

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct cutting-edge research in the development of advanced electrolytes for next-generation high-voltage, high-energy electrochemical energy storage intended for electric vehicle applications.

The project focuses on the design and synthesis of novel electrolyte materials, including new solvents, additives, and salts, that offer enhanced thermodynamic and/or kinetic stability at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The ultimate objective is to enable long-term cycling performance in high-voltage battery systems through a fundamental understanding of interfacial mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel electrolyte materials, including new solvents, additives, and salts, with enhanced thermodynamic and/or kinetic stability at electrode/electrolyte interfaces.
• Investigate interfacial mechanisms to enable long-term cycling performance in high-voltage battery systems.
• Employ electrochemical techniques and in-situ characterization methods (e.g., FT-IR, XAS, TEM) to study interfacial reactivity and SEI composition.
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary research teams and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and manuscript submissions.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field
• Research experience in lithium-ion batteries or related electrochemical energy storage systems
• Proficiency in electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical floating tests, impedance spectroscopy, and battery performance testing
• Familiarity with in-situ characterization methods (e.g., FT-IR, XAS, TEM) to investigate interfacial reactivity and analyze the composition of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI)
• Ability to design and carry out organic and polymer synthesis to develop new electrolyte solvents and additives with targeted physical and electrochemical properties
• Expertise in chemical synthesis and analysis methods including NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, SEM/EDS, etc.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, and manuscript submissions
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong foundation in laboratory research and practical application of chemical synthesis and characterization techniques
• Ability to model Argonnes core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Compensation and Legal

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00. The pay range is a general guideline; final offer will be determined based on the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment and does not discriminate on any legally protected characteristic.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized basis. Some positions may require government access authorization, which could affect employment offers.