Advanced Solid State Lithium-Sulfur Battery Electrochemistry and Materials Development

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

0007-NPP-NOV
26-GRC-Aero

All applications must be submitted in Zintellect. Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements:

How to Apply

| NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official doctoral transcript documents

11/1/2026 6:00:59 PM Eastern Time Zone

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly‑talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA‑affiliated research institute. These one‑to‑three‑year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

US Citizens and Lawful (US) Permanent Residents (LPRs) are eligible.

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher position in advanced structured materials and cell development of "next generation" batteries within the Materials Chemistry and Physics Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center.

We seek a qualified PhD scientist with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, and electrochemical energy storage systems such as Li‑sulfur and Sodium‑ion batteries. Essential experience includes:

• Li‑ion and "Beyond Li ion" battery cell development, testing, and analysis.
• Synthesis, development, and characterization of electro‑active (nano) materials such as cathodes, ionic liquids, and solid‑state electrolytes.
• Battery cell assembly.
• Computational methods in battery research.
• Microscopy/spectroscopy analytical techniques.

A proven track record evidenced by publications in top‑quality journals is essential, and direct experience in the formulation of sodium‑ion cells is desirable.

Posts Duration:
February 1st, 2022 until January 31, 2024

This advanced research training role builds on prior experience as a Post‑Doctoral Researcher or a graduate student, conducting a specified research program and training under the guidance of a Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of a research plan.
• Engaging in training and professional development opportunities as required by the project objectives.
• Assuming a role in the design and execution of research, contributing to research proposal development and funding success.
• Disseminating research results under the supervision of a Principal Investigator.

A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or Engineering with a strong record in electrochemistry and energy storage materials and devices.

Experience in lithium‑ion, sodium‑ion, and/or other next‑generation batteries, including synthesis of relevant materials, nanomaterials, and electrolytes; surface analysis and electrochemical analytical methods (FTIR, Raman, UV, impedance spectroscopy); battery cell assembly, scale‑up, and testing; computational methods in battery materials and integration research.

Background in ionic liquids and solid‑state Li/Na ion conducting electrolytes and knowledge of materials morphological, textural, and microstructural characterization and analysis.

Previous postdoctoral or graduate experience in synthesis, development, testing, and integration of components into cells is highly desirable.

Previous experience with direct‑ink‑writing of 3‑dimensional energy storage components is desirable.

The project focuses on the design and development of a functioning sodium‑ion cell using materials derived through ISRU of lunar sediments. Tasks include developing a mechanistic understanding of redox active materials derived from lunar resources, viable electrolyte materials, cathode structures, and cell integration for lithium/sodium‑based batteries. Extensive electrochemical studies, device fabrication, and characterization are performed, along with experimental validation and development of computational physics‑based simulations of cells with advanced 3‑dimensional Li/Na battery systems.

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Aeronautics

Vadim Lvovich – vadim.f.lvovich – 216‑433‑5261

Donald Dornbusch – donald.dornbusch – 216‑433‑5917

Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.

Mikeala