Research Associate, Battery Performance

Who You Are

Are you a detail-oriented professional who enjoys the technical precision required to validate and improve new energy technologies? As a Research Associate on the Battery Performance team, you will be a key part of our daily operations, handling the intake of specialized chemical inventory and performing the physical testing and test analysis of our battery cells. We are looking for a teammate who takes pride in technical execution and understands that great research depends on meticulous testing and highly organized documentation and tracking. You are a collaborative person who thrives in a shared workspace and is committed to the careful documentation that helps our team to quickly iterate through materials.

This contractor role is for 1 year with the possibility of extension based on employee performance.

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Conduct experiments on specialized component integration for battery cell design, analyze experimental data, and work with engineers to optimize component selection and cell performance.
• Perform specialized battery cell testing, ensuring tests are initiated, monitored, and completed according to engineering specifications to generate high-quality performance datasets.
• Conduct systematic cell teardowns in inert environments (gloveboxes). Inspect internal cell components, document observations, and provide detailed findings to support failure analysis and root-cause investigations.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records in Sila's centralized data management systems, including experimental results, teardown observations, and chemical inventory.
• Support multiple high-impact R&D projects by executing laboratory tasks as directed by the engineering team, ensuring timely achievement of research milestones.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot team-specific testing equipment and analytical instrumentation, including chromatography systems.
• Receive, inventory, label, store, and track battery materials and specialized chemicals in accordance with safety regulations and environmental requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment through routine upkeep of shared workspaces, ensuring efficient operations and seamless handoffs across teams.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline. Candidates with an Associate’s degree and relevant research training will also be considered.
• 1+ years in a lab environment; experience in a battery research or testing laboratory is preferred.
• Ability to follow complex SOPs and engineer commands while maintaining high data quality.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems for tracking materials or test results.
• Exposure to or experience operating analytical equipment, specifically chromatography is a significant plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to pivot between tasks without losing data integrity.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Adhere to all safety protocols, including the use of a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety shoes.
• Successfully pass a respirator fit test for use when required.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity for the handling of battery components and sensitive materials.
• Capacity to operate effectively within a glovebox environment for extended durations.
• Ability to move items up to 25 lbs with the assistance of carts or lift equipment.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods at a laboratory bench or computer workstation.

Regular Shift: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm

The starting base pay for this role is between $37.02/hr and $46.63/hr at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for overtime.

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