Who You Are

Are you excited about teamwork to help build the next generation of battery materials and technologies? Sila is seeking a Research Associate to help build high-energy Li-ion batteries through an in-depth understanding of interacting electrode components (e.g. active materials, binders, conductive additives). 

As a Research Associate in the Slurry & Coating team, you will help execute experimental slurries & perform electrode coatings and characterize both slurries and coatings, generating data that provide deep insights into the processes. You are passionate about being hands-on in the laboratory and are excited about handling and maintaining research equipment. As part of a collaborative effort, you will closely work with several engineers to help elucidate the underlying structure-property relationships of electrode component materials and their impact on electrochemical performance. This position requires prior hands-on lab experience, preferably in the field of batteries.

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Perform lab-scale experimental slurry mixing and drawdown coating 
• Characterize slurries (e.g., rheometry, particle size, density, stability) and coatings (e.g., mass loading and thickness uniformity, resistivity, adhesion, homogeneity, electron microscopy)
• Manage accurate records of work using an online sample management database
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot characterization equipment
• Document results and communicate to scientists and engineers
• Work collaboratively with other technicians, engineers, and scientists to troubleshoot, correct, and prevent issues
• Work safely – keep a clean and safe work environment. Correct unsafe behaviors and report incidents. Understand and respect hazardous materials and processes

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Bachelors or equivalent analytical experience with a focus in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field
• 6+ months of full-time hands-on laboratory experience or equivalent. Experience with the following fabrication and characterization techniques is a plus: slurry mixing, drawdown coating, rheometry.
• Proficient in using electronic documentation and data analysis tools to clearly communicate findings

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety toe shoes
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection when needed
• Use a glove box and/or fume hood to prepare samples
• Operate analytical equipment at a lab bench
• 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
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc. in a fixed location
• Repetitive use of hands – light to forceful handling of material

The starting base pay for this role is between $37/hr and $46/hr at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for overtime.