Research Associate - Slurry & Coating

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

Are you excited about teamwork to help build the next generation of lithium-ion battery materials and technologies? As a Research Associate on the Slurry & Coating team, you will prepare and characterize lab-scale slurries and electrodes, combining different components (e.g., active materials, binders, conductive additives) and optimizing process conditions to improve upon existing recipes. Your previous hands-on laboratory experience (preferably in the field of batteries) and passion for handling and maintaining research equipment will support a collaborative effort with several engineers to help elucidate the underlying process–property relationships of electrode component materials and their impact on electrochemical performance.

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

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform lab-scale experimental slurry mixing and drawdown coating 
• Characterize slurries (e.g., rheometry, particle size, density, stability) and coatings (e.g., mass loading and thickness uniformity, resistivity, adhesion, homogeneity)
• Manage accurate records of work using an online sample management database
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot characterization equipment
• Document results and communicate to scientists and engineers
• Work collaboratively with other technicians, engineers, and scientists to troubleshoot, correct, and prevent issues
• Work safely—keep a clean and safe work environment. Correct unsafe behaviors and report incidents. Understand and respect hazardous materials and processes.
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Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Bachelors or equivalent analytical experience with a focus in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field
• 6 months of full-time hands-on laboratory experience or equivalent. Experience with the following fabrication and characterization techniques is a plus: slurry mixing, drawdown coating, rheometry.
• Proficient in using electronic documentation and data analysis tools to clearly communicate findings

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety toe shoes
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection when needed
• Use a glove box and/or fume hood to prepare samples
• Operate analytical equipment at a lab bench
• Move items up to 25 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc. in a fixed location
• Repetitive use of hands – light to forceful handling of material

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

The starting base pay for this role is between $31.73/hr and $41.23/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.

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.