Laboratory Technician - Levels I, II, and III

Description

 Wildcat Discoveries is looking for a highly motivated Battery Material Scientist to join our team! This position develops research targets, designs research projects, and analyzes data to achieve research goals on time and on budget.The work environment is demanding, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting. The ideal candidate should be ready to push their limits, as they join a world-class scientific team dedicated to developing and discovering advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries. At Wildcat, the sky's the limit - with the right attitude, work ethic, and quality of work you can blaze your own trail.   

About Us:Wildcat Discovery Technologies is a materials R&D company located in San Diego, California. Wildcat is focused on the discovery and development of advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries following two mutually beneficial paths:

1. Collaborations & Projects: working with customers to optimize material combinations for improved battery performance
2. Product Development: developing proprietary battery materials to commercialize next-generation electrodes and electrolytes

Wildcat scientists use a proprietary state-of-the-art high throughput platform (HTP) to synthesize and test thousands of battery materials, each fully formulated and tested in actual cells. Wildcat collaborates with industry leaders around the world to develop promising new materials for new and promising rechargeable and primary battery technologies. At present, Wildcat is expanding both its technical operations and its sales efforts.

Essential Functions:   

• Prepare materials for chemical experiments, including preparing materials for synthesis and dispensing chemicals according to a research plan.
• Perform inorganic material synthesis, formulation, and characterization using various methods according to a research plan.
• Assemble battery components and/or test batteries for use in chemical experiments.
• Perform complex lab procedures independently while also training others on these lab procedures. 
• Assumes leadership implementing solutions to housekeeping and safety issues.
• Demonstrates ownership for specific equipment/lab operations through preventative maintenance, trouble-shooting, and proper training/planning. 
• Identifies opportunities to improve or create new standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and submit for review.
• Performs non-routine tasks without the guidance of others and research alternative experimental methods.
• Brings forward problems, issues, and unexpected observations with solutions to management.
• Meet timelines and deadlines consistently.
• Contributes ideas for improving workflow processes, helps develop and validate processes.
• Identifies areas of improvement leveraging cross-functional resources.
• Partners with cross functional teams to deliver great products.
• Respect others in the workplace with a professional attitude; be considerate of others with housekeeping, shared equipment; provide a safe working environment for others.

Requirements

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Proficient knowledge of scientific laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment, and apparatus used in a chemistry laboratory
• Prior experience demonstrating ownership lab equipment or operations in a shared laboratory setting. 
• Proficient knowledge of health and safety practices and precautions applicable to a chemistry laboratory.
• Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Utilize computer hardware and software.
• Keep detailed and precise records.
• Communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with Lab Technicians, Research Associates, Engineers and Scientists.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Physical and chemical analysis such as rheology, thermal analysis, titration, microscopy, x-ray diffraction, powder       characterization, etc..
  • Chemical synthesis and powder processing techniques such as spray drying, milling, drying, annealing, etc..

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in a scientific field such as chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science
• 1-4 years of laboratory experience 
• Exposure to battery materials or other advanced materials/chemicals research