Battery Scientist III Job Description

Ion Storage Systems creates batteries that are safer, lighter, and enable form factors with tighter packing density that enhance system performance. We are backed by leading venture capital firms including Alsop Louie Partners, Clear Creek Investments, VoLo Earth Ventures, and Toyota Ventures and recently closed an oversubscribed Series A funding round in mid-2022 to enable the growth of the team and commercialization of the technology.

We offer an inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and believe that a thriving workspace leads to a thriving company. We hope you will contact us to learn more and to be a part of our diverse, collaborative team!

We are looking to add a full-time Senior Battery Scientist to our team in Beltsville, MD. This position will report to the Cell R&D Manager and work to develop our next-generation lithium metal battery. The ideal candidate will have industrial experience in lithium-ion R&D and leverage a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science to develop advancements for ION's technology. The Senior Battery Scientist will work closely with other scientists and engineers as part of a fast-moving, cross-functional R&D team.

Responsibilities:

Lead development efforts for advancement of ION's cell technology in collaboration with team members and VP of R&D

Technical leadership role with responsibilities for leading intra-team, cross-company, and externally facing projects

Serve as resident expert on lithium-ion chemistry, leveraging prior industrial experience, knowledge of state-of-the-art advances, and engagement with vendors

Identify limiting factors in cell performance through electrochemical characterization, materials characterization, and destructive physical analysis

Implement novel R&D techniques and construct effective experimental design to improve cell performance and address project goals

Communicate procedures, results, and uncertainties in written documents and in-person meetings

Report regularly on key observations and technical progress to management

Mentor junior scientists in design and analysis of experiments, and creative problem solving

Work with R&D team to maintain lab organization and champion environmental health and safety in the daily work environment

Required Experience:

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.

5+ years of research experience in an industrial environment with demonstrated track record of success

Laboratory experience in the fabrication and testing of electrochemical cells

Research experience with lithium ion cells, including electrode materials synthesis, cathode coating, or cell design and packaging

Electrochemical analysis techniques such as galvanostatic charge/discharge, cycle life, rate capability, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, etc.

Experience with pouch cell pilot or production lines

Exposure to commercial cell manufacturing

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of electrochemistry and chemical/materials systems at a fundamental level with the ability to think mechanistically and design new experiments

Deep knowledge of lithium battery chemistry from the materials level to the cell level

Deep knowledge of materials-related analytical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, EDX, Raman, GC-MS, and particle size analysis

Ability to conduct product-oriented R&D in an industrial setting

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

Excellent organizational skills

Mentorship of junior scientists and engineers

Department: Cell Research and Development

Location: Beltsville, MD

Reports to: Cell R&D Manager

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer the following company benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

Stock options in an early-stage company

Fully in-person employment with flexible schedule

Company and floating holidays

17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure

401k plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck

Wellness allowance of $1k annually

Company Description

Ion Storage Systems Inc., located in Beltsville, MD, is a rapidly growing company commercializing its breakthrough lithium metal battery technology based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland. The company is committed to developing products that will impact everyday life on a global scale. Our technology improves product performance and safety in a variety of applications including, defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. Our team is made up of innovative, driven & creative individuals who are passionate about their work. The company offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities and encourages work/life balance.

To all recruitment agencies: Ion Storage Systems, Inc. will not accept agency resumes for this role. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs email, or to any Ion Storage Systems employees or any other company email address. Ion Storage Systems is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Ion Storage Systems, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.

*Eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident is required for consideration. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as well.