Postdoctoral Researcher – Electrochemical Energy Storage Modeling (BatPaC)

Location: Lemont, IL USA, On-site

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Under the guidance of a supervisor, the Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct research in electrochemical energy storage to support the Battery Performance and Cost (BatPaC) modeling team. The researcher will develop and apply physical, chemical, and electrochemical models for advanced battery technologies and associated manufacturing processes. This work will quantify and explain relationships among material properties, electrochemical performance, and battery system cost at the material, cell, and pack levels.

The researcher will plan and advance performance and cost modeling of energy storage devices, with emphasis on lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lead-acid battery systems. Modeling and analysis will leverage tools such as COMSOL, MATLAB, Excel, Python, and related scientific software. The role requires familiarity with chemical processing and process scale-up to support manufacturing and cost estimation within BatPaC. The researcher will build and validate models, analyze and interpret results, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and prepare technical reports and presentations to support internal reviews and sponsor reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and apply multi-physics and electrochemical models for battery performance and degradation as applicable
• Model manufacturing and processing steps relevant to battery cost estimation and scale-up
• Integrate models across platforms and workflows; manage inputs/outputs and ensure reproducibility
• Analyze simulation and experimental datasets; extract insights and quantify sensitivities and uncertainties where appropriate
• Prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and documentation for group meetings and sponsor deliverables
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, team-based research environment

Position Requirements

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

• Strong foundation in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, and chemical processing

• Demonstrated experience in mathematical modeling of electrochemical systems; knowledge of solid mechanics is beneficial

• Experience with chemical process/plant modeling and cost analysis methodologies

• Experience linking models across software platforms and managing coupled workflows

• Proven ability to process, analyze, and interpret modeling and/or experimental results

• Strong skill in problem formulation and translating research questions into quantitative modeling approaches

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including scientific publications and presentations

• Experience with experimental cell characterization (e.g., performance testing and related diagnostics)

• Demonstrated ability and motivation to work collaboratively in a team setting

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

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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.

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