Assistant Project Scientist/Research Design Lead - Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Boettcher Group)
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: February 5, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Monday, Mar 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist, with specific expertise in the areas of synthesis, modeling, and characterization of materials and devices for electrochemical energy storage and energy conversion, to work in the lab of Professor Shannon Boettcher.
The appointee will make significant and creative contributions to research in the Boettcher Group, and they will lead projects involving the study, design, synthesis, fabrication, and modeling of materials and devices for applications in electrochemical energy storage and energy conversion. This includes uncovering fundamental insights into ion and electron transfer at interfaces and applying these insights to design and make materials for efficient energy conversion and storage and manufacturing. Specific research can include, but will not be limited to: the synthesis and study of heterogeneous electrocatalysts for water oxidation, understanding semiconductor-electrocatalyst interfaces using computer simulation and electrical measurements, developing alkaline membrane electrolyzers, and studying bipolar membranes and electric field driven interfacial ionic reactions.
The overall research portfolio will be directed by Professor Boettcher. The appointee will contribute to publications and grant writing and display effective engagement in research activities of high quality and relevance. The successful candidate will be expected to lead design and execution of research work streams; may mentor postdocs, PhD students, undergraduates, and visiting scholars; coordinate cross-project timelines and external collaborations; and support publication and proposal development across projects. This position is funding contingent.
College of Chemistry: https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/home
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering: https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/cbe
Boettcher Lab: https://electrochemistry.berkeley.edu/boettcher-lab
Labor Union: https://uaw5810.org/ar-contract-2022/
Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.
- PhD (or equivalent international degree) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field
- Evidence of effective research leadership (leading sub-projects/workstreams) and mentorship of junior researchers
- Demonstrated record of significant and creative research contributions (e.g., publications, methods/instrumentation advances)
- Proven excellence in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing (papers and/or proposals)
- Multi-project coordination experience across federal (for example, DOE/NSF/DOD) and industry awards; familiarity with agency deliverables and open- data practices
- Hands-on expertise with one or more Boettcher Lab domains (e.g., electrochemical kinetics and interfaces; membranes and ionomers; electrocatalyst and device testing; diagnostics such as impedance, spectroscopy, X-ray, AFM)
- Experience establishing and enforcing SOPs, QA/QC, and reproducible data workflows
- Experience collaborating with national labs and campus core facilities; comfort leading cross-institutional meetings
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: sarahmf@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment