The Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing group in the Applied Materials Division (AMD) has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to develop ink formulation, coating processes, and membrane materials for energy storage and conversion applications. The researcher is expected to use slurry casting (e.g., slot-die coating) or other wet-chemistry deposition methods to produce high-quality membranes used in battery electrodes or fuel cell/water electrolyzer membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). We are seeking candidates who will be able to design experiments and develop methodologies to design ink rheological properties and coating and drying process conditions to fabricate membranes with desired physics and ionic transport properties.

As part of the Materials Engineering Research Facilities (MERF), the Nanocomposite Materials and Membrane Manufacturing group perform science-based membrane synthesis and scaleup development by using roll-to-roll manufacturing and machine learning enabled in-line characterization and quality control methods. The group works closely with industry partners and academic collaborators to address real-world manufacturing challenges and develop next-generation energy-storage and conversion solutions.

The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team with researchers at MERF and collaborators inside and outside Argonne. The candidate is expected to design and conduct experiments, analyze data and explore mechanisms behind the experimental observations, prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and support future project applications.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, or related fields

• Demonstrated knowledge in materials synthesis and characterization

• Demonstrated knowledge of transport property study

• Experience in ink synthesis and characterization

• Experience in coating, printing, or any other wet-chemistry deposition techniques

• Experience in electrochemical property characterization

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

• Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of battery (e.g., lithium ion, solid-state, sodium ion, lithium air, lithium sulfur, etc.) or fuel cell or water electrolyzer anode, cathode, catalyst coated layer, MEAs is a plus.

• Experience using analytical tools, such as particle size analyzer, X-Ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), surface area analysis, and electrochemical (EIS and RDE).

• Experience with in-situ/in-line characterization techniques during synthesis/fabrication is a plus.

• Highly self-motivated candidate who demonstrates creative and proactive approaches towards scientific problem solving as evidenced by publications and recommendations.

• Proven track record showing the ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in a multidisciplinary team while meeting project milestones and deadlines.

• Skilled oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

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