Sr. Research Associate-Battery Materials
Cabot is seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual to join as a Sr. Research Associate in the Battery Materials Business at our Billerica Technology Center. Successful candidate will become an important member of R&D team accelerating the creation of new battery materials for a more sustainable future. In this role you will work under moderate supervision to perform hands-on laboratory tasks to support new product and application developments including, but not limited to, conductive carbon additives and/or catalyst support for the next gen lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. This role will support both Cabot business customer-driven project and a US government funded project aimed at developing the next generation battery electrode processing technologies.
In this role, you will be working under moderate supervision to perform laboratory tasks in support of product and/or applications research.
A successful candidate will be someone who:
- Works closely with scientists and engineers to develop new products and formulations and conduct standard/non-standard procedures and tests.
- Follows experimental plan as set by project leader. May prepare logistics, materials and equipment.
- Executes various chemical and physical laboratory tests involving material synthesis, dispersion/electrode fabrication and characterization, coin/pouch cell assembling and electrochemical testing, and related troubleshooting with attention to observations and learning. Clearly documents work in electronic notebook.
- Set up, troubleshoot, and maintain test equipment.
- Generates, organizes, and provides data analysis with basic interpretation of results.
- Responsible for organizing and communicating data in a way that is clear and understandable.
- Assists in the training of others in areas of testing, compliance, equipment, and safety requirements.
- Coordinates and tracks sample shipments to customers and development partners
- Adheres to all intellectual property standards throughout area of responsibility.
- Maintains work area in compliance with safety rules and regulations. Participates in scheduled safety meetings and completes safety training requirements. Creates and updates safety documentation for their work area. Participates in safety-focused activities such as seeking out opportunities to advance our safety culture.
- Strictly follows and complies with all SH&E procedures, standards and regulations and constantly strives for Excellence in the fields of sustainability and Safety, Health and preservation of the Environment.
- Knowledge of basic principles in one of the specified fields: materials science, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, interface & colloid science, polymer science.
- Basic understanding of conductive additives and their functionality in energy storage applications.
- Strong understanding of laboratory terminology, equipment, procedures, and safety practices.
- Basic knowledge of statistics as used in data generation, interpretation, and presentations.
- Strong analytical, observation and problem-solving skills. Ability to identify out-of-range results and note unusual patterns. Ability to draw conclusions from experimental work. Ability to classify and organize data in a logical and orderly way as well as plan work to ensure timely completion of assignments.
- Prior working experience with conductive additives, electrochemically active materials, physical and electrochemical characterization methods, or powder/ dispersion rheology testing is preferred but not required.
- Prior working experience with assembly/testing/failure mode analysis of electrochemical systems (batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, etc.) is preferred but not required.
Education/Experience
- Post-secondary degree (Bachelor’s/University) in Material Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering; 1+ year of related experience, OR
- Associate degree in technical discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience, OR
- Secondary degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
- Citizenship or green card required.
How We’ll Support Your Success:
- Dynamic, Flexible, Hard Working, Team Environment – We are busy, collaborative, growing, and we are doing really meaningful work.
- Growth –Training, great peer coaching and support, and the ability to personally grow your influence, your position, and your compensation.
- Meaningful Work that is Valued – Customers are demanding sustainable solutions without compromising quality or performance. The work we do is visible, and is helping to create a more abundant, affordable, and cleaner future. It is an awesome feeling to know you’re making a living by making a positive impact in the world; and to be able to say, “I was a part of that.”
- Benefits, Vacation, Etc. – We offer a competitive package of benefits. Benefits begin on first day of employment.
- Feedback – we are committed to giving and receiving feedback in a direct and open fashion.
- Support – you are part of a team and deserve to feel encouraged and supported. You will be part of a team that cares about you personally and professionally. Our success depends on your success.