Research Associate (Electrochemistry)

Research Associate (Electrochemistry)

On-Site • Oakland, CA, United States • Full-Time • $75,000-$85,000 Annual Salary

About Us

Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup backed by top-tier venture capital firms, including Clean Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, and Voyager. We are developing electrified, sustainable, and domestic solutions for critical material production.

Our mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, aiming for a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Aepnus is growing rapidly and building a team of smart, driven, and curious individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about creating positive change.

About the Role

Are you a hands-on problem solver with an engineering mindset and a passion for innovation? Aepnus Technology is looking for a Research Associate to support lab-scale and pilot-scale electrochemical reactor experiments. You will work closely with R&D and engineering teams to execute experiments, analyze data, and support lab operations.

As part of our small, agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, directly contributing to the development and commercialization of our core technology. Your work will help optimize processes, reduce costs, and accelerate our path to commercial-scale deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare aqueous reagents and dilutions following standard analytical lab best practices.
• Perform defined purification steps on aqueous samples.
• Partner with engineering teams to iterate and implement process improvements.
• Prepare samples and operate analytical instruments, including ion chromatography (IC) and titrations.
• Assemble, operate, and troubleshoot bench- and pilot-scale electrochemical reactors.
• Conduct lab experiments designed in collaboration with engineers to improve products, enhance fundamental understanding, and perform root cause analysis.
• Support pilot-scale electrochemical reactors, including startup, shutdown, monitoring, sampling, and data analysis.
• Analyze data and communicate results effectively.
• Maintain safe lab practices, including handling caustic and corrosive solutions, flammable gases, low-voltage power supplies, and hand tools.
• Provide proactive communication and upward feedback to improve processes and ensure efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related field by the start of employment.
• 1+ years of wet lab experience (internships, academic research, or team projects count) with a strong understanding of chemical lab safety and best practices.
• Basic knowledge of electrical connections as well as gas and liquid handling systems.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds and work independently to meet project goals.
• Proficiency in chemical dilutions, solution prep, and unit conversions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ months of experience in electrochemical technologies (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, water treatment).
• Completed coursework in electrochemistry (a plus but not required).
• 1+ years of experience with analytical lab techniques (e.g., titration, ICP-OES/MS, IC).
• Data analysis skills using Excel, Python, and/or MATLAB.

Compensation & Benefits 

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
• 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
• Flexible vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December

Why Join Aepnus?

At Aepnus, you'll collaborate with bright, driven individuals dedicated to solving some of the most significant challenges of our time. Here’s what we offer:

• A Front-Row Seat in Climate Tech Innovation: Be part of our pioneering team, working closely with our founders and scientific advisors to scale groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future. Your contributions will play a key role in bringing these innovations to market.
• Rapid Growth and Advancement Opportunities: As we expand, so will your career. You'll have the chance to take on new responsibilities, grow professionally, and help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We believe in work-life balance and supporting our team. Enjoy competitive pay, equity, flexible vacation policies, comprehensive health insurance, and other perks designed to keep you happy and motivated.
• A Dynamic, Fast-Paced Work Environment: Help build Aepnus from the ground up in an exciting environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact in the energy industry.
• A Culture of Passion and Possibility: Join a community of curious and motivated individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change.

Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.