Senior Scientist - New Ionic Materials & Cell Development

Who We Are

We change the landscape of what is possible with batteries. Our technologies increase the energy density of batteries, and enable longer range, higher performance, and greater affordability for electric vehicles (EVs) as well as lower cost and safer energy storage systems (ESSs). Our first anode product is in the market today, it drops into existing Li-ion battery manufacturing processes, and is manufacturable economically at scale.

We believe how we work together is as important as the great things we accomplish. Foundational to this belief is building an inclusive and distinctive culture – one that is collectively shaped and owned by all Silazens.

Who You Are

You are a research scientist who can contribute to the development of our next generation ionic liquid and solid-state electrolyte (SSE) technologies. You’ll work with a small team to uncover the structure-property relationship of new ion conductors to their performance in cells. Your contribution will be the synthesis and modifications of new ion conductors, cell design and testing. There will be opportunities to share your work to larger audiences within Sila and externally to funding agencies through reports and presentations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other Silazens to develop custom equipment and analytic techniques to elucidate the complex nature of these electrolyte systems. This role requires a strong endurance for hard scientific problems as well as a healthy dose of skepticism.

Responsibilities & Duties 

• Identify and execute new chemical pathways to synthesize next-generation electrolyte materials with fast-ion conductivity and wide chemical and electrochemical stability. 
• Build custom batteries to test and understand the properties of electrolyte materials and their chemical reactions at the interface with other materials.
• Customize cell builds and test recipes to uncover underlying chemistry, identify failure mechanisms and quickly iterate.
• Work closely with a small team of researchers who are developing new electrolyte concepts, offering support and suggestions. 
• Work with a larger cross-company team of diverse backgrounds to discover and communicate knowledge for the long term development of Sila’s next generation battery materials.
• Communicate your findings through slides & reports - weekly to small groups and quarterly to larger audiences within Sila. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to external grant applications.  
• As a colleague, offer active listening; collaborative brainstorming; share knowledge, ideas, resources, and strategies.
• Actively invest in Sila’s values and champion them as we grow. 

Knowledge & Skill Requirements

• Ph.D.in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline +2 years post degree experience.
• Experience building and testing custom electrochemical cells which generated insights into the chemical mechanisms at an interface, structure-property relationship of the material or mechanical properties of the cell design.
• Experience synthesizing inorganic materials using Schlenk line techniques.  
• Knowledge of materials and interface physics and chemistry - especially as they relate to electrochemical reactions.
• Experience with a broad range of characterization techniques related to batteries, solid and liquid state materials, and interfaces.
• A well developed scientific workflow that allows the interpretation, documentation and dissemination of scientific data to a broad range of colleagues. 
• Demonstrated technical leadership or mentorship while working with teammates to emphasize their strengths and support their sustained learning and growth.
• Experience writing scripts for data analysis (such as Matlab, Python, or similar) is a plus.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Be able to work in a laboratory using glove boxes, fume hoods and Schlenk lines.
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection daily.
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes.
• 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 of 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.