Job title:  

Contract Chemist/Engineer – Battery Process and Technology (6-12 month assignment)

Situation in organization

The position reports to a senior R&D scientist at the King of Prussia Research Center, and will work closely with scientists, chemists, and engineers within the Battery Research and Developmental team at Arkema. The contract term is 6-12 months.

Job dimensions

The person in this position will support new battery process developments, electrode fabrication, and cell building. He/she will be responsible for preparing formulations using anodes and cathodes active materials, establishing process-performance relationships between new materials, electrode fabrication, and actual cells by using solvent-free novel processes to make high-energy lithium-ion batteries. Expected duties are carrying out formulation, optimizing process, processing and characterizing electrodes and films that achieve performance targets, and building/testing battery cells. The person will plan and safely conduct formulation, processing, and testing, set up new equipment, perform data analysis, maintain a well-organized research notebook/database, and contribute to reports for internal/external distribution. 

Activities

1. Set up, develop, maintain, and improve a wide range of manual and automated electrode fabrication processes in a safe manner consistent with SOPs. 25%
2. Perform troubleshooting and repairing of equipment. Help to identify process/product improvement opportunities in Battery Research & Development. 25%
3. With Scientist supervision, plan and execute experimental programs and process improvements. Prepare a safe work plan, and support all safety-related activities (LHA, SOP, MOC). Submit samples for analytical testing and follow up for results. Summarize findings and organize results in the  appropriate databases. 25%
4. Perform a range of general support tasks including shipping products or samples, preparing presentations, and purchasing parts, materials, supplies, and equipment. Maintain cleanliness of work areas and manage storage of materials and samples. 25%

Context and environment

The position is part of a team working on developing new processes and materials suitable for fabricating next-generation high-energy batteries. The candidate will work collaboratively with other staff at all levels in a hands-on laboratory research environment. The managing scientist will assign tasks and responsibilities. Management of multiple tasks and sometimes changing priorities is a challenge that will require high flexibility and strong organizational skills.

Accountabilities

Actively promotes safe behavior in the workgroup and takes personal responsibility for safe lab operations. Maintains clean, orderly, and safe working environment. Maintains documentation and equipment including testing equipment, process equipment, lab notebooks, electronic databases, and organized files. Plans and executes experimental work programs, analyzes data, and documents results in reports, tables, and databases. Communicates project progress at the Team level both in writing and verbally. Learns and develops Lithium-Ion Battery expertise to support overall R&D objectives.

Qualifications / experience required

1. Bachelor’s degree with applicable lab experience in a technical environment, preferably Mechanical Engineering
2. Experience with process development and equipment setup, especially for electrode and battery fabrication, is a plus
3. Strong analytical/laboratory and mechanical skills, precision, attention to detail, and recordkeeping
4. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing
5. Proficient with computer software applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and data analysis
6. Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem-solving skills
7. Per the DoD (Department of Defense) requirements, this position is open to U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents