Job Description
The Electrolyte Scientist will develop and optimize electrolyte materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, focusing on safety, longevity, and performance, while utilizing advanced electrochemical techniques and collaborating within a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize electrolyte formulations for high energy lithium-ion batteries.
- Analyze interactions of electrolyte systems with other cell components during cycling and storage.
- Perform electrochemical characterization of coin and pouch cells to understand reaction mechanisms and failure modes.
- Plan, execute, and manage research projects independently, including supporting prototype manufacturing.
- Implement streamlined testing methods, such as Design of Experiments (DoE), to accelerate development.
- Communicate research findings and project updates effectively to team members.
- Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership in experimental design and development.
- Integrate existing knowledge with new discoveries to facilitate development and problem-solving.
- Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures and patent applications.
Requirements
- Design and develop electrolyte formulations compatible with high energy density lithium-ion anodes and high nickel content NMC cathode cell chemistries to achieve a long cycle life safely.
- Design electrolyte systems to demonstrate improvements in safety performance, including dimensional stability during battery cycling and storage.
- Provide technical assessment on existing electrolyte systems, additives, and lithium salts in high energy, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion cells.
- Fully characterize coin and pouch cell performance using new materials and formulations.
- Utilize electrochemical testing and analytical techniques to understand reaction mechanisms, failure modes, and potential benefits of new formulations.
- Demonstrate the ability to use fundamental physical chemistry concepts and experimental techniques to provide promising electrolyte formulation strategies.
- Ability to independently plan, execute, manage, and communicate progress on projects.
- Support product development as required for the prototype-manufacturing team.
- Design and implement streamlined testing metrics (e.g., Design of Experiments - DoE) to significantly shorten the R&D learning and development cycle.
- Effectively communicate new concepts, findings, and project updates to the team, drawing actionable insights from discussions.
- Serve as a technical mentor and leader to junior staff, guiding experimental design and professional development.
- Actively integrate and synthesize existing in-house knowledge with new discoveries to accelerate development and problem-solving.
- Proactively contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
- Hold a scientific knowledge of MS or better in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science field.
- Minimum of 3 years of industrial or advanced academic experience post-MS focused on electrolyte or battery materials development.
- Strong knowledge of common lithium-ion electrolyte systems, including common lithium salts, solvents, and additives, and their specific roles.
- Experience applying physical-chemical methods to tackle formulation problems and understanding properties like density, viscosity, and ionic conductivity.
- Hands-on expertise in advanced electrochemical characterization, including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic cycling.
- Proven experience working with moisture-sensitive materials in a glovebox or dry room environment, and expertise in handling high purity chemicals.
- Proficiency in battery cell tests (coin, pouch) and scientific data analysis using statistical or scientific software.
Benefits & Perks
highly competitive salary
comprehensive health coverage
attractive equity stock options program
opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific projects with broad public impact
work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment
significant opportunities for professional growth and career development
access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies
Ready to Apply?
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