Job Overview:
The Atomistic Simulation & Energy (ASE), an energy focused research group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is looking to hire a postdoctoral research assistant to work on a recently funded high temperature battery project (300 °C and 500 °C). The project aims to develop first-of-a-kind high temperature molten hydroxide battery and is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), via the PROPEL-1K program. More about the program and this specific project can be found via these links:

https://arpa-e.energy.gov/news-and-media/press-releases/us-department-energy-announces-15-million-12-projects-developing-high

This position is for a postdoc in the ASE research group at MIT, and is focused on development of molten alkali hydroxide triple phase flow battery (3PFB) to enable reversible operation of ultrahigh energy density battery chemistries. The MIT team, led by Prof. Asegun Henry, is primarily experimental, and involves significant collaborative interactions with Prof. Matthew McDowell’s group in School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. Inspired by the industrially-used Castner process for NaOH electrolysis to form Na metal, the alkali hydroxide triple phase flow battery (3PFB) will enable reversible operation of ultrahigh energy density (>1000 Wh/kg and Wh/L) battery chemistries via an innovative cell design. The MIT team will develop high temperature battery cells and components that will be tested both at MIT and G-Tech.

Responsibilities:
The main tasks and activities in the project that the postdoctoral candidate will work on are:

- Battery Cell Design, Construction and Assembly and Open Circuit Voltage Testing

- Electrochemical Testing, Charge-Discharge and High Temperature Material Stability

- Thermophysical and Thermochemical Analysis of Cell Components

- Development of High Temperature Pourbaix-like Electrochemical E–pO2- diagrams

Skills:
The objective of the candidate hired for this position in the ASE group, is primarily to design, CAD, build and test high temperature battery cells, as well as pre-test and post-test analysis of the cell components. High Temperature Pourbaix-like Electrochemical E–pO2- diagrams are essential in predicting and optimizing the battery components. Only a few of these are currently available for the aforementioned battery chemistry system. The candidate should therefore be familiar with these and help develop such high temperature electrochemical diagrams using thermodynamic inputs when the appropriate diagram is not available. Ideal candidates have an extensive background in high temperature electrochemical phenomena. Candidates with background and expertise in, solid state or molten, high temperature fuel cells and electrolyzers, high temperature corrosion, high temperature electrochemical extractive metallurgy, and other high temperature battery technologies could be a good fit to this position, just to name a few. ASE team primarily consists of thermal and mechanical engineers with expertise in heat transfer and manufacturing, so the electrochemical expertise is what the group is hopeful to add to the team through the candidate. Experience with molten hydroxide systems is highly desirable but not required.

Apply:

Interested candidates should directly email Professor Asegun Henry immediately (send emails to ase-jobs@MIT.edu), as the position will remain open until filled. When inquiring about the position, please note the title of the position “3PFB postdoc position” in the subject line and include a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV). Please also include a cover letter that discusses: (1) how their experience renders them uniquely qualified for the position; (2) their long-term career goals and objectives; (3) why they’re interested in this position; (4) what they would like to get out of the experience. Candidates should also include a sample of their prior work that they were responsible for/led, such as a paper, that shows their utilization of the skills required for this position. Candidates of interest will be contacted by Prof. Henry to set up a Zoom interview and possibly a follow up in person interview at MIT.

Keywords: Electrochemical Engineering; Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Thermal Engineering; Cathode; Anode; Electrolyte;

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Work Location: In person