Job Description
The Electrolyte Scientist will design, develop, and analyze innovative electrolyte materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, contributing to advancements in energy storage technology through experimental research, characterization, and collaboration within a dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize electrolyte formulations for high-energy lithium-ion batteries
- Analyze interactions of electrolyte systems with battery components during cycling and storage
- Perform electrochemical characterization of new materials and formulations
- Plan, execute, and manage research projects independently
- Support product development and prototype manufacturing processes
- Implement testing protocols and design experiments to accelerate R&D
- Communicate research findings and project updates effectively to team members
- Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership
- Integrate existing knowledge with new discoveries to solve development challenges
- Contribute to intellectual property through invention disclosures and patent applications
Requirements
- A MS or better level of understanding 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 techniques, 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 and pouch cells) and scientific data analysis using statistical or scientific software.
- Ability to independently plan, execute, manage, and communicate progress on projects.
- Ability to support product development as required for the prototype-manufacturing team.
- Experience in designing, developing, and optimizing 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.
- Experience in designing electrolyte systems to demonstrate improvements in safety performance, including dimensional stability during battery cycling and storage.
- Experience in providing technical assessment on existing electrolyte systems, additives, and lithium salts in high energy, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion cells.
- Experience in fully characterizing coin and pouch cell performance using new materials and formulations.
- Experience in utilizing electrochemical testing and analytical techniques to understand reaction mechanisms, failure modes, and potential benefits of new formulations.
- Ability to demonstrate the use of fundamental physical chemistry concepts and experimental techniques to provide promising electrolyte formulation strategies.
- Ability to design and implement streamlined testing metrics, e.g., Design of Experiments (DoE), to significantly shorten the R&D learning and development cycle.
- Effective communication skills to convey 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.
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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