Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004120) Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

US Candidate Preferred

Research Title: Post-Doctoral Researcher: Lithium Battery Recycling (U.S. Citizens Preferred)

Overview: The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher (U.S. Citizens preferred) to support the Circular Economy program and critical minerals recovery research. The successful candidate will develop analytical methods for quantifying the elemental composition of mixed lithium battery waste (e.g., black mass) using ICP-OES. This role involves validating characterization processes and improving supply chains for critical materials/minerals.

Duties

• Method Development: Establish bulk and trace analytical quantification methods for battery waste using ICP-OES and/or neutron activation.
• Sample Preparation: Perform milling, grinding, and acid digestion of complex battery materials and associated reference materials.
• Data Analysis: Execute measurements, interpret complex datasets, and validate results against industry standards.
• Communication: Prepare findings for peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral presentations.
• Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to institutional safety requirements, including radiological and hazardous chemical protocols

Employment Terms: This opportunity is for an associate researcher position in the NIST MML for 1 to 2 years, with the option to renew and/or pursue longer-term federal employment pending funding availability. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work alongside NIST researchers and with NIST's often world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided.

Salary: $70,000 – $85,000

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with ICP-OES and acid digestion is required (> 3yrs.).
• Soft Skills: Excellent written/oral communication and a track record of meeting milestones in multidisciplinary teams.
• Safety & Environment: Must be comfortable working with large volumes of hazardous chemicals and under radiological conditions.
• Preferred Knowledge: Familiarity with Li-ion battery chemistry, mineral processing, mechanical separations, or nuclear analytical methods.