Job Description

Research Scientist Job Description

Sylvatex (SVX) is a sustainable chemistry company with a mission to eliminate transportation and energy emissions. Our bio-based nanoplatforms are engineered systems that manipulate chemicals, fabricate materials and structures, produce energy, and enhance our environment by providing lower cost and higher-performing solutions. Our IP-protected platform and growing database address multiple billion-dollar markets – from next-generation batteries materials to low carbon fuels – while significantly reducing our carbon footprint in key industrial applications.

Sylvatex is seeking a Research Scientist who can actively participate in synthesizing and scaling cathode materials and lead contributor to our DOE and NSF-funded projects. At the same time, as a technical team member, this person is also expected to contribute to the overall research and development strategy, industry outreach, and strategy implementation.

As a Research Scientist at Sylvatex, you will work as a technology leader focusing on developing novel synthetic routes to cathode materials leveraging Sylvatex’s technology platform.  The cathode materials will be fully characterized, and the cathode electrochemistry will be evaluated.  You are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment with innovative clean energy solutions. You are proactive and capable of operating in a fast-paced, startup environment with little supervision. Curiosity and optimism are two of your superpowers. You have a vision for technology value creation. Like a master architect, when you see a path, you create a roadmap and iterate and build from there.

This role will report to the CTO of Sylvatex.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Implement safe work practices (as defined by OSHA and company policies) to deliver an incident-free workplace
• Fosters and maintains high standards of safety in all projects. Initiates and participates in safety reviews for new products or processes.  When new technology or processes are introduced, it ensures that production adheres to safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Plans and carries out research to support the design and development of new products and new processes used in the manufacture of cathode formulations. Responsible for innovation, technical reporting and safe laboratory work relating to new cathode materials and synthetic processes.
• Proactively supports the protection and defense of intellectual property through patent application and awareness of literature and patents addressing the battery industry.
• Maintains detailed laboratory records and prepares reports addressing critical technical developments, project management, and forward plans.  Generates and organizes project presentations and technical data for internal and external reviews.
• Develop technical and grant proposals, set technical objectives, and lead/conduct technical work in the area of interest including cathode research.
• Characterize materials and leverage insights from analysis to improve the synthesis and performance of materials.
• Exploring new applications to expand the company’s technology platform
• Work closely with Sylvatex’s technical team members to optimize Sylvatex’s featured synthesis process and scale up the batch size of cathode production up to lab pilot
• Interpret and present the technical data to internal teammates and external audiences (such as collaborators, program managers, and investors)
• Communicate with Sylvatex’s external contractors/collaborators 
• Supervise research associates to ensure safe lab operations
• Maintain all lab areas in a clean and well-organized manner and guarantee proper disposal of all waste

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other similar disciplines with the Ph.D. dissertation topic related on experimental work of battery materials or nanomaterials
• Minimum 1-year postgraduate experience (either academic or industrial experience is acceptable) 
• Comprehensive understanding of synthetic options and characterization and the application to cathode synthesis
• Knowledge basis of electrochemistry, battery materials, and cathode-related technologies
• Knowledge of process scaleup principles
• Experience working in a multi-discipline team environment
• Proficient hands-on experience in operation and data analysis of XRD, SEM, EDS, ICP, FT-IR, TGA, PSA, and BET

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience of lithium-ion battery
• Experience at a startup company is a plus
• Prior or current experience working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (working in labs of the Molecular Foundry or the Division of Energy Storage and Distributed Resources is preferred)

Capabilities:

• Self-starter and bias for action – does things before being asked to or forced to by events
• Promotes open and effective written and verbal communication
• Actively promotes a positive team spirit, engages and respects the diverse contributions of team, partners, or networks
• Demonstrates openness to new ideas
• Looks for ways to do things better, faster, more efficiently
• Flexibility, adaptability, and success at multi‐tasking; willingness and ability to participate in multiple programs simultaneously
• Proven teamwork skills with demonstrated ability to deliver objectives in a cross-functional team environment
• Excellent problem solver

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to do this job. The above information is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Please note that you don’t have every listed requirement and skill to be an excellent fit for this position. Please apply if you are passionate about this opportunity and think you have the skills to succeed.

Benefits: Healthcare and retirement plan (401K) offered

Time Commitment : Full time in our labs in Alameda, CA, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Paid Position : Pay will be based on experience and demonstrated impact

Sylvatex does not provide relocation assistance.

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