Postdoctoral Appointee – Artificial Intelligence for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research focused on the development of high-energy, long-cycle-life lithium–sulfur batteries employing both liquid and solid-state electrolytes using artificial intelligence, under the guidance of a supervisor. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving the synthesis, physical and chemical characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of sulfur cathodes in both coin-cell and pouch-cell formats.

This role includes establishing correlations between the physical and chemical properties of sulfur cathodes, electrolytes and their electrochemical performance. The candidate is also expected to have experience working with a range of liquid and solid electrolytes for lithium–sulfur battery systems.

In addition, the postdoctoral appointee will perform advanced characterization of battery materials using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to develop mechanistic understanding of material behavior and electrochemical performance. Responsibilities also include analyzing experimental data, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presenting research findings at scientific conferences, and preparing reports and presentations for group meetings.

Key Responsibilities Conduct research to develop high-energy-density, long-life lithium–sulfur batteries using liquid and solid-state electrolytes

Synthesize and optimize sulfur cathode materials and related host structures

Perform physical, chemical, and structural characterization of battery material

Fabricate and evaluate lithium–sulfur cells in coin-cell and pouch-cell configurations

Investigate the relationships between material properties, interfacial behavior, and electrochemical performance

Work with a variety of liquid and solid electrolytes, including sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes

Apply advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron X-ray probes, to study battery materials and interfaces

Conduct electrochemical testing, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic cycling

Analyze and interpret experimental data to provide insight into battery mechanisms and performance limitations

Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations for internal and external audiences

Present research results at group meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field

Experience leveraging artificial intelligence or machine learning in the development of battery electrolytes and catalyst materials

Demonstrated expertise in lithium–sulfur battery materials and electrolyte systems

Strong skills in the synthesis and structural optimization of host materials for lithium–sulfur batteries

Experience in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of solid-state electrolytes, particularly sulfide-based electrolytes, for energy storage applications

Knowledge of interfacial engineering strategies, such as surface coatings, to suppress lithium dendrite formation

Hands-on experience in the fabrication and testing of all-solid-state cells, including coin-cell and/or model cell configurations

Knowledge of synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray spectroscopy, particularly for in situ/operando studies of materials and interfacial chemistry during battery cycling

Strong understanding of electrochemistry, with the ability to perform and interpret CV, EIS, and galvanostatic testing

Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental results

Demonstrated ability to work effectively on multiple concurrent projects

Strong written and oral communication skills, with a record of peer-reviewed publications and recognition in a relevant research area

Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Job Family Postdoctoral

Job Profile Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, 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. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.