Postdoctoral Researcher-Electrolyte Design and Electrochemical Metal Deposition

UCLA's Institute for Carbon Management is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop novel electrowinning systems for metals. The role involves conducting experimental electrochemical studies, performing analytical measurements, and supporting engineering efforts in cell and electrolyte design. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and expertise in electrochemical systems. This position is based in Los Angeles, CA, indicating it is not remote.
Employer Description

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:

(1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and

(2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Equatic.

Role Description

ICM seeks a postdoctoral scholar to support a multi-year research effort on the development of novel electrowinning systems for metals. The position will focus on advancing fundamental understanding of electrochemical metal deposition and hydrogen evolution suppression in highly concentrated aqueous media, and coupling that with mechanistic insights into electrode-electrolyte behavior. The role will be central to guiding design decisions for cell and electrolyte engineering teams and informing next-generation electrolyzer development. The successful candidate will work closely with a team of engineers and scientists and will contribute to high-impact publications and intellectual property creation. Questions about the position and application should be sent to Emma Liao (emmaliao@seas.ucla.edu).

Responsibilities
• Conduct experimental electrochemical studies on hydrogen evolution (HER) and metal deposition in concentrated or mixed electrolytes, integrated with dissolution and separations processes.
• Perform electroanalytical measurements (CV, EIS, LSV, chronoamperometry, etc.) to probe kinetics and transport processes.
• Conduct analytical measurements (ICP, FTIR, Raman, etc.)
• Deliver results with accuracy and repeatability
• Evaluate complexation, ion pairing, and speciation through models, and in-situ and ex-situ experimental methods across different processes and at/near electrode surfaces.
• Apply and develop models based on Butler-Volmer kinetics, double-layer theory, modified Nernst equations, and Debye–Hückel theory and extensions.
• Develop geochemical, multiphysics, and process models.
• Support integration of fundamental findings with cell and electrolyte engineering efforts.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, proposal development, and mentoring junior researchers.

Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical background and experimental expertise in hydrometallurgy processes involving aqueous electrochemical systems, HER, electrodeposition, dissolution/leaching, and selective separations.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrochemical instrumentation and modeling.
• Strong research record and productivity via publications and/or patents.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with experimental and engineering teams.
• Have a good understanding of lab safety procedures and ability to consistently operate safely
• A self-starter who collaborates effectively, communicates clearly, and drives progress

Beneficial Assets
• Familiarity with highly concentrated electrolytes, HER suppression techniques, and electrowinning.
• Experience with geochemical, multiphysics, and process modeling using software such as Phreeqc, Comsol, and Aspen.
• Experience with in-situ spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, FTIR) or surface characterization.
• Passion for carbon management and sustainable industrial processes.

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references contact to Emma Liao (emmaliao@seas.ucla.edu). We will only be checking candidates who send all these required information.
• UCLA Postdoc Benefits Plan: https://www.postdoc.ucla.edu/resources/appointment-information/postdoctoral-scholar-health-benefits/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,073.00 - $77,030.00 per year

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person