Intern - Battery R&D Job

During the internship, the student will be familiarized with Arkema's products and processes, with emphasis on the lithium-ion battery concept, formulation, and cell assembly at lab scale, as an entry-level chemist in the initial training phase.

Initial goals, objectives, and expectations: 
- Become well-trained in Arkema's safety culture, rules, and regulations of safe lab practices

- Become familiar with resources available at the research site, responsibilities, and personnel

- Gain introduction to Arkema materials and formulating processes by individual trainer

- Maintain clean, orderly, and safe working environment and a well-organized research notebook/database

New knowledge, skills, or techniques the intern will acquire: 

- Formulate solvent-free electrode slurries and cast high-quality electrodes and coat separator that achieve performance targets

- Characterize physical and electrochemical performance of electrodes

- Help with analyses to identify failure mechanisms and product improvement opportunities

- Submit samples for analytical testing and follow up for results

- Record, analyze, and summarize findings for internal/external reports

The intern will work under close supervision to ensure the experimental work is planned and carried out in a safe, correct manner. Results will be reviewed to help gain a good understanding of the experiments, their significance, and the interdependency of different parameters.

The main tasks during this phase are to design and execute experiments in support of one or more projects. A typical experiment may take from a few days to up to a month to gain understanding of all aspects of electrode fabrication and performance (formulating slurries, processing electrodes, performing applicative testing, fabricating battery cells, and evaluating electrochemical performance). Most learning will be accomplished through collaborative work within the group. Management of multiple and sometimes changing priorities is a challenge that will require high flexibility.

Qualifications desired:

- Experience in a lab technical environment, especially with formulations or battery fabrication

- Strong analytical/laboratory and mechanical skills, precision, attention to detail, and record keeping

- Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing

- Proficient with computer software applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and data analysis

- Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem-solving skills

- Background in material science, chemistry, or chemical engineer is preferred. 1 year internship is preferred.