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Research Associate - Earth Abundant Energy Storage Cathodes

Job ID

6430

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Postdoctoral Research Associate for Earth Abundant Energy Storage Cathodes

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has an opening for a postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) with research interests in applying _in situ_ and _operando_ synchrotron X-ray characterization to develop cathodes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries with earth abundance materials (low or no Ni content).

This position will involve working in developing earth abundant cathodes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. The project will focus on using X-rays to characterize the synthesis and electrochemical cycling of disordered rock salt structures for Li-ion battery cathodes and low-Ni layered oxide Na-ion battery cathodes. Synthesis conditions will be optimized by rationally tuning the synthesis conditions and monitoring key X-ray spectroscopy and scattering signatures. X-ray characterization such as transmission X-ray microscopy will be used during battery cycling to understand degradation mechanisms such as particle fracturing and interparticle oxidation heterogeneity. 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. There will also be mentorship opportunities with undergraduate researchers during the summer.

**Note** : The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. Appointment duration is 12 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, engineering, or related field.

+ Demonstrated experience with synchrotron X-ray characterization of battery materials.

+ Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry.

+ 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.

+ Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

**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

+ Policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

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+ Classification Title: Research Associate - Experimental

+ Job code: 0127

+ Employment Duration: 12 months

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $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.