Postdoctoral Position in NMR/Batteries (2 year position)
The postdoctoral researcher will work in the Clément group based at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The researcher will be a part of the Aqueous Battery Consortium (ABC: https://abc-hub.stanford.edu). The mission of the ABC, a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored Battery Hub, is to establish the scientific foundation for the large-scale development and deployment of aqueous batteries for long duration grid storage technologies.
The project:
The postdoctoral researcher will use solution- and solid-state NMR to determine the redox and electrodeposition/stripping processes at the electrodes, as well as ion speciation, solvation, and transport in the aqueous electrolyte. The researcher will be expected to engage proactively with collaborators within the Hub, which brings together 15 institutions and 31 co-principal investigators.
The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute to:
- Aim 1 – Electrolyte: The aim of expanding the voltage stability window of aqueous electrolytes significantly beyond the thermodynamic limit, while maintaining fast kinetics.
- Aim 2 – Anode: The aim is to understand the electrodeposition and stripping of metal anodes, and gain control over nucleation and growth, crystal structure, texture, and morphology across space and time.
In addition to performing research, the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to provide assistance with the training of graduate and undergraduate students in the group.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related field. 3 years of experience in (preferably solid-state) NMR is required. Additional experience in MRI, PFG NMR, EPR is a bonus.
- Experience with launching 1D/2D NMR experiments, pulse sequence editing/optimization or development.
- Experience with electrochemical measurements preferred.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Able to work in an autonomous and organized manner, meet deadlines.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
NMR facilities and labs:
Our laboratory and the Spectroscopy Facility are located in Elings Hall on beautiful UC Santa Barbara campus. The Spectroscopy Facility comprises several solid-state NMR spectrometers, including a 100 MHz system equipped with a fast spinning (1.3 mm) probe for the investigation of paramagnetic compounds, a 300 MHz system equipped with an MRI and two diffusion probes, a 400 MHz DNP-NMR spectrometer, and 500 MHz equipped with various probes including 1.3 mm probe, and an 800 MHz dual solution- and solid-state instrument. In addition, the facility comprises two solutions-state NMR spectrometers (500 and 600 MHz), and a CW X-band EPR spectrometer.
Appointment terms:
The position comes with an initial full-time, 24-month appointment, with the possibility of a subsequent extension. The experience-based postdoctoral salary scale starts at ca. $67,000, and comes with full health and retirement benefits. The position is available immediately, with some flexibility.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter together with a curriculum vitae and contact information of your references (including your PhD advisor) to rclement@ucsb.edu. Review of the applications will start mid September 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.
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Raphaële Clément (she/her)
Associate Professor, Materials Department
Materials Research Laboratory, Room 3009
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121
Phone: 805-893-4294
Zoom: https://ucsb.zoom.us/my/rclement