Research Scientist II - Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

The Research Scientist II works closely with Electrochemical Safety's leaders and researchers, as well as external project collaborators, to carry out tests and analyses associated with battery and hybrid energy storage systems pertaining to novel materials and safety science to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

What you'll learn and achieve

• Works across electrochemistry, materials, thermal science, and systems engineering, using first-principles thinking and rigorous experimentation to uncover mechanisms that others have overlooked, and turn those insights into practical technologies and safety solutions.
• Identifies and actively pursues the understanding of fundamental knowledge required to enhance ULRI's thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.
• Uses design of experiment (DOE) to plan, execute, and complete initial and follow-up procedures, as required, to test and validate results.
• Applies intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks.
• Exercises fundamentals-based judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods.
• Analyzes data and laboratory test results to determine trends, form data-driven conclusions, and develop solutions.
• Handles and works with various materials (inorganic, organic, polymers, composites, solvents, etc.) for synthesis and (dis)assembly for characterization with independent operation of instrumentation setup and data collection and provides insights through data analyses.
• Dissemination of results through peer-reviewed journal publications; presentations at conferences, speaking engagements (podcast, webinars, teaching, panels, etc.), and other events representation.
• Engages and collaborates with team members and university partners.
• Stays abreast of the latest literature in the field by reading journals, scientific publications, industry news, safety events, and attending academic conferences.
• Assists with grant and proposal writing for funding or large-scale instrument facility use.
• Perform other duties as directed.

What makes you a great fit

• Demonstrated hands on battery (lithium-ion technology and beyond) research laboratory capabilities (including glovebox and dryroom technical operations) and knowledge (energy storage and conversion technologies, materials, and processes).
• Experience with thin-film flexible cells, low-power, solid-state, or micro-scale energy storage systems.
• Materials synthesis (solgel, solvent, powder processing, ball-milling, CVD, etc.), characterization (PXRD, FTIR, GC-MS, ARC, SEM-EDX, TGA-DSC, rheology, moisture analysis, optical imaging etc.), and analysis experience.
• Profile matching and Rietveld refinement expertise, as well as familiarity with large-scale instrument beamtime (synchrotron x-rays, neutron) are a plus.
• Electrochemical expertise: electrode (mix, coat, calendar, and slit/punch) and cell fabrication (Swagelok, coin, and pouch cell formats for two- and three-electrode setups), testing protocols (cycling, rate, conductivity, EIS / DCIR, CV, etc.) on different cyclers (Arbin, Gamry, Biologic, Neware, etc.), and advanced data analysis skills; cell teardown (DPA) knowhow is a plus.
• Related modeling experience and programming knowledge (VBA, python, etc.) are a plus.
• Ability to maintain science- and engineering-based academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication, management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to be a self-motivated, independent researcher but actively collaborates with peers to complete a project from start to finish by efficiently meeting deliverables, timeline, and budget.
• Strong technical report writing skills and the ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

Professional education and experience requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science or engineering, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience post degree, or Master's degree in chemistry, materials science or engineering, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering (or related engineering or scientific discipline) plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience post degree, or Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or engineering, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering (or related engineering or scientific discipline).