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Research Associate - X-ray characterization of Li metal and Si batteries

Job ID

6401

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

The Applied Energy Division (AED) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) with research interests in applying _ex situ_ and _operando_ synchrotron X-ray characterization to electrochemical energy storage systems.

This position will involve working in two different parallel but related projects in Li-metal and Li-ion batteries. The first project will focus on using X-rays to characterize high-energy, low-cost Li-metal batteries for the next generation energy storage for electric vehicles. Battery chemistries may include Li||NMC and Li||S. The second project aims to investigate decay mechanisms in silicon fiber anode battery (SiFAB) for energy storage to identify the key drivers of cyclic decay in SiFABs ofdifferent designs with different cathode materials. Primary responsibilities include designing and performing _ex situ_ and _operando_ advanced characterization including XAS, microXRF, XRD, X-ray microscopy, and laser ablation laser ionization mass spectrometry. Additional responsibilities will include optimizing and reducing the selection of top SiFAB electrode variants and demonstrate them in 2-3 Ah multilayer cells. The RA will have the opportunity to publish lead-author manuscripts and to build a career in energy storage technologies, X-ray science, or a future teaching career.

**Note** : The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. Appointment duration is 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae which includes a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

+ PhD in physics, materials sciences, chemistry, or related field.

+ Demonstrated experience with synchrotron and/or neutron characterization.

+ Experience in electrochemistry is preferred but not required.

+ Strong experimental, analytical and computation skills. Preferably experience analyzing large datasets using python or similar analysis tools.

+ Broad scientific interests and willingness to learn new skills.

+ Effective written and verbal communication skills.

+ Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population; good interpersonal skills are essential.

+ Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

SLAC employee competencies:

+ **Effective Decisions** : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

+ **Self-Development** : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

+ **Dependability:** Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

+ **Initiative** : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

+ **Adaptability** : Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

+ **Communication** : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

+ **Relationships** : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

**Physical requirements and Working conditions** :

+ Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

**Work standards** :

+ Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford/SLAC colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

+ Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

+ Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

___________________________________

+ Classification Title: Research Associate - Experimental

+ Job code: 0127

+ Grade: G

+ Employment Duration: Fixed Term (24 months)

_The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs_ .

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.