Scientist, Material Architecture and Synthesis

WHO YOU ARE

You are excited about connecting synthesis parameters to material properties and electrochemical data in high-performance batteries to expand our mechanistic understanding. You take pride in your carefully designed experiments that quickly converge on enhanced performance. The materials you develop continually advance the state-of-the-art. In this role, you will cooperatively develop the science that is fundamental to improving performance, and safety of next-generation battery materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

• Design and execute experiments connecting synthesis, material properties, and electrochemical performance of battery materials
• Analyze and interpret data from sensors in synthesis tools and materials characterization instruments
• Improve the performance of battery materials by connecting synthesis parameters, material properties, performance, and physical mechanisms
• Document and communicate findings with actionable information for a variety of groups
• Help refine the technical aspects of research efforts to ensure they are rigorous and lead to unambiguous results
• Lead the improvement of synthesis workflows for research materials
• Identify safety hazards and work cooperatively to implement improvements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• PhD or are equivalent research experience with a focus in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field  
• Experience uncovering the most significant nanomaterials synthesis parameters and applying those discoveries to improve material performance
• Experience with Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), or Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)
• Experience with state of the art material characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, Gas Chromatography and etc.)
• Solid understanding of chemistry, chemical reactions and kinetics
• Experience with advanced data analysis (python, database mining, JMP, etc.)
• Experience with battery materials or electrochemical testing techniques
• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings to a diverse audience
• Experience in collaborative problem solving: helping people share knowledge, ideas, resources, and strategies in order to solve challenging scientific problems

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a daily basis
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Use a glove box to prepare samples
• Move items up to 25 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Precise and repetitive handling delicate samples
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location
• Operate analytical equipment at a bench