Research Associate Job Description

Sylvatex is a green nanochemistry company with a mission to eliminate transportation 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/or higher-performing solutions. Our IP-protected platform and growing database address multiple billion-dollar markets, from next-generation battery materials to low-cost fuels, while significantly reducing our carbon footprint in key industrial applications. 

As a Research Associate at Sylvatex, you will support the development of new processing of cathode materials and Li-ion battery testing. You are passionate about positively impacting 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. Like a master architect, you create a roadmap and iterate and build from there when you see a path. 

This role will report to the CTO of Sylvatex.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Synthesis of cathode materials 
• Scale process to kilograms
• Work independently.
• Ensure proper document progress in laboratory notebooks, memos, and reports.
• Ensure transfer of information to SOPs and provide written reports.
• Complete the analysis and evaluation of material properties.
• Prepare electrodes for battery cell assembly and support electrochemical testing. 
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners.
• Monitor and evaluate new developments in the literature and propose improvements for Sylvatex technology.
• Maintain clean and well-organized lab areas, meeting all safety regulations.
• Implement safe work practices (as defined by OSHA and company policies) to deliver an incident-free workplace.
• Inform management and the CTO/COO of any incident within 24 hours.

Qualifications:

Sylvatex requires a Research Associate who can actively participate in producing cathode materials and testing battery materials. At the same time, as a technical team member, this person is also expected to contribute to the overall research and development strategy and its implementation.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, material science, or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year plus of synthesis experience in the relevant fields (chemistry, advanced materials, nanomaterials, batteries)
• Prefer experience in operation and data analysis of XRD, SEM, PSA, and ICP
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to safety culture.
• Experience at a start‐up company a plus

 Capabilities:

• Self-starter and a bias for action – does things before being asked to or forced to by events.
• Demonstrates understanding of internal and external customer needs and exceeds expectations.
• Promotes open and effective written and verbal communication.
• Actively promotes a positive team spirit.
• Actively engages and respects the diverse contributions of teams, partners, or networks.
• Anticipates future situations and plans to meet them.
• Demonstrates openness to new ideas.
• Looks for ways to do things better, faster, and 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.