Location:Kings Mountain , NC – Lithium Site.

 

Job Description

 

Company and Job Overview

 

Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a leading global producer of lithium, bromine and catalyst solutions. As a world leader in lithium, our products enable the rapid growth in lithium batteries that power everything from pacemakers, to cell phones, to electric vehicles. Our unique natural resource position, global derivatization capabilities and technology leadership allow Albemarle to execute an aggressive growth strategy. Join us to help develop the technologies and materials that will accelerate the electrification revolution.

 

Located at Albemarle’s Technical Center near Charlotte, NC, the “Senior Cathode Materials Scientist” position is part of the fast-growing Lithium Research & Development group. The candidate will join an innovative and energetic team, and will be a key contributor to developing new lithium products and technologies for Albemarle and its customers.

 

The position’s primary responsibility is to understand lithium-ion battery cathode requirements today and in the future, and develop lithium-bearing materials to address those needs. Using our state-of-the-art Battery Materials Innovation Center (BMIC) facilities, the successful candidate will perform cathode material synthesis, and characterize both their chemical properties as well as their electrochemical performance. The candidate must have deep hands-on expertise in commercial lithium-ion cathode synthesis, and in the evaluation of such material in different cell formats and applications. The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the factors that influence material performance in cathode and cell manufacturing processes, and the in end-customer applications. The ability to collaborate and communicate across multiple groups and projects, internal and external to Albemarle, is a must. The ability to interface with customers is highly desired.

 

Job Responsibilities

  • Practice proper laboratory procedures in compliance with Corporate HS&E policy and maintain a safe lab environment
  • Develop and implement commercially-relevant lithium-ion cathode synthesis processes
  • Select, set up, operate and maintain R&D and pilot scale cathode synthesis equipment
  • Characterize the composition, crystal structure and microstructure of cathode materials
  • Design and conduct electrical/electrochemical performance measurements at both component and cell level
  • Plan and execute statistical designs of experiment (DoE’s) to identify relevant factors and optimize performance
  • Incorporate necessary quality control methods to ensure material performance
  • Collaborate closely with battery testing and analytical teams
  • Coordinate instruments installation and support test infrastructure improvements
  • Mentor junior team members, technicians and interns

 

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related scientific discipline with a minimum of 3 years of commercially-relevant post-graduate experience in lithium-ion battery cathode synthesis
  • Fluent in the critical-to-quality aspects of lithium-ion battery cathode synthesis
  • Familiar with dry-room operation, glovebox use and battery testing equipment

 

Desired Competencies

  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Deep understanding of lithium ion batteries and cathode chemistry, including composition-process-performance relationships
  • Hands-on synthesis, characterization and testing of commercial lithium-ion cathodes
  • Demonstrated proficiency with cell testing methodologies, data analysis and interpretation
  • Strong expertise in materials characterization from atomic to electrode scale
  • Able to prioritize and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • High attention to detail, accuracy and precision in experimental design and analysis of results
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to simplify complexity
  • Demonstrated ability to partner with customers and external experts to accelerate innovation

 

Physical Demands 

  • Must be able to work in a chemical laboratory and a dry room environment, which requires standing for 25% or more of the time.
  • Must have dexterity to handle small, delicate battery components and lab equipment.
  • Must be able to physically operate scientific equipment and instruments.

 

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