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Research Associate, Battery Performance

Alameda, CA

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 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 post-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 is a 1-year contract role with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Responsibilities and Duties  

  • Carry out specialized cell testing; ensure tests are initiated and monitored according to engineer specifications to maintain the high quality of our performance datasets.
  • Perform systematic cell teardowns within inert environments (gloveboxes). Conduct physical inspections of internal components and provide clear documentation of their condition to assist in root-cause analysis.
  • Maintain meticulous records within Sila’s centralized online databases. Accurately document and track all experiments, chemical inventory, and teardown observations.
  • Execute tasks across multiple high-impact projects as directed by the engineering team. Provide consistent hands-on support to ensure the timely achievement of research milestones.
  • Maintain team-specific testing hardware and specialized instrumentation, including chromatography. 
  • Execute the intake and inventory of specialized battery chemicals. Perform precise tracking, labeling, and storage of materials in accordance with safety protocols and environmental requirements.
  • Maintain a clean, organized lab by performing daily upkeep of shared lab spaces to ensure smooth operational hand-offs for all teams using the space.

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.

#LI-PL1 #LI-Onsite

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.

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