Division: Arkema Inc.

Department/Business Group: Battery Research and Development

Job title:  

Contract Chemist/Engineer – Battery Technology and Material (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 Technology and Material team at Arkema. The term of the role is 6-12 months.

Job dimensions

The person in this position will support new formulation developments, cell assembly, and battery/material testing at Arkema. He/she will be responsible for preparing formulations using active materials for anodes and cathodes, binders, conductive carbons, and additives; casting and characterizing electrodes and films that achieve performance targets; building and testing battery cells, formulating electrolyte blends, and helping with post-mortem analyses for identifying failure mechanisms. The person will plan and safely conduct formulation 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 and prepare formulations, electrodes, and cells, and conduct testing in a safe manner consistent with SOPs. 25%
2. Perform electrode/electrolyte characterization, analyze data, and prepare reports in support of R&D activities. Help to identify product improvement opportunities for Battery Technology and Material. 25%
3. With Scientist supervision, plan and execute experimental programs. 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 for reports and file documents in appropriate databases. Arrange and coordinate outside commercial testing as needed for capabilities not available within Arkema. 25%
4. Perform a range of general support tasks including shipping products or samples, preparing presentations, and purchasing 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 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. A Battery Technology and Material Scientist will assign tasks and responsibilities. Management of multiple 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 experience in a lab technical environment
2. Experience with aqueous formulations is a plus
3. Experience with battery fabrication is a plus
4. Strong analytical/laboratory and mechanical skills, precision, attention to detail, and recordkeeping
5. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing
6. Proficient with computer software applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and data analysis
7. Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem solving skills