ABOUT US

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we’re redefining what’s possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

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). This role is for a 3 month period with the possibility of extension based on employee performance and market conditions.
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.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors or equivalent analytical experience with a focus in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field
• Experience in characterization techniques. Experience in some of the following techniques is a plus: viscosity, rheology, peel tests.
• Proficient in using Powerpoint / Word tools to clearly communicate findings

• Perform lab-scale experimental slurry mixing and drawdown coating
• Characterize slurries (viscosity, total solid content, density, rheology, etc.) and coatings (uniformity, resistivity, peel tests, confocal microscopy, mandrel test, etc.)
• Manage accurate records of work using an online sample management database
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot characterization equipment
• Document results and communicate to scientists/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.