Research Scientist

Company Description OnTo Technology is an industry pioneer developing low-carbon direct recycling and life-extension technologies for lithium-ion batteries. Based in Bend, Oregon, OnTo is leading a prime award under the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E CIRCULAR program focused on direct battery rejuvenation, alongside ongoing R&D initiatives supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Role Description We are seeking a hands-on, curious Research Scientist (Ph.D.) to join our team on-site in Bend, Oregon. Working in close collaboration with our Principal Investigator / technical leadership, you will serve as the primary experimentalist driving laboratory testing, cell prototyping, and materials characterization for our battery rejuvenation and life-extension programs.

This position is tailored for a Ph.D. scientist or postdoc who thrives in the lab, enjoys building and cycling real cells, and wants direct exposure to high-visibility clean energy and defense projects.

Key Responsibilities

·        Hands-On Cell Prototyping & Cycling: Lead routine cell manufacturing workflows—including slurry preparation, electrode doctor-blade coating, calendering, coin and pouch cell assembly, and testing on multichannel cyclers (formation, rate capability, cycle life, and EIS).

·        Experimental Benchwork: Formulate and test chemical treatments, solvents, and relithiation reagents on aged materials under inert atmosphere (glovebox) and standard lab conditions.

·        Operate On-Site Instrumentation: Perform day-to-day operation and primary analysis on internal instruments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural/phase screening and chromatography (GC/HPLC) for electrolyte breakdown monitoring.

·        OSU Characterization Coordination: Serve as the hands-on liaison for external testing with Oregon State University (OSU) user facilities—prepare specimens, schedule test sessions, coordinate sample transfers, and compile data for techniques like SEM/EDS, ICP, and XPS.

·        Data Synthesis & Lab Documentation: Maintain meticulous laboratory records, organize cycling and analytical datasets, and prepare summary slides and figures for internal review and federal milestone reporting (ARPA-E, DOE, DLA).

·        Lab Safety & Upkeep: Support clean dry room and glovebox practices, ensure safe handling of hazardous chemicals and reactive battery materials, and help maintain routine lab consumables.

Qualifications

Required:

·        Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a closely related field (recent graduates and postdocs welcome).

·        Work Arrangement: 100% on-site in Bend, Oregon.

·        Security & Eligibility: Due to federal program requirements with the Department of Energy and Defense Logistics Agency, candidates must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) and eligible to obtain a U.S. government security clearance in the future if required.

·        Core Technical Experience:

o  Demonstrated hands-on experience building and cycling coin cells and/or pouch cells.

o  Practical familiarity with standard battery testing protocols (capacity retention, dQ/dV, impedance).

o  Direct experience operating benchtop analytical tools, with familiarity in powder XRD and/or chromatography.

o  Working knowledge of chemical handling, solvent systems, and glovebox operations.

·        Mindset: Strong work ethic, attention to experimental detail, and a collaborative attitude toward working side-by-side with senior leadership in an agile laboratory setting.

Preferred:

·        Familiarity with battery teardown/autopsy procedures and harvesting electrodes from cycled cells.

·        Experience coordinating analytical workflows with external academic or shared user facilities.

·        Prior exposure to federal research projects or milestone-driven timelines.

What We Offer

·        Base Salary: $115,000 – $125,000/year 

·        Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

·        Retirement: Company sponsored Simplified Employee Pension (SEP).

·        Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and company-recognized holidays.

·        Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates moving to Central Oregon.

·        Location: Based in Bend, Oregon—offering access to world-class trail networks, skiing, mountain biking, and rivers, paired with high-impact work on the clean energy transition.