Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) is a US-based clean-tech startup, currently operating in New Jersey and Texas. Our company focuses on recycling, repurposing, and commercializing lithium-ion battery (LIB) materials from a wide range of sources, including EVs, consumer electronics, manufacturing scrap, and energy storage batteries. Founded in 2019 as a spinout of Princeton University, PNE has developed a direct recycling low-temperature plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS) that significantly reduces costs, environmental waste, and CO2 emissions, while increasing critical material recovery rates and material performance. In 2022, we launched the United States' first end-to-end direct lithium-ion battery recycling pilot production line. This milestone was followed by the award of a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

We are actively searching for an experienced Battery Scientist to become a valued member of our R&D team based in New Jersey. In this role, you will play an essential part in our company's unwavering dedication to sustainability, as well as our overarching mission to advance the development of emerging renewable technologies. Your expertise will be instrumental in connecting recycled materials with innovative lithium-ion battery production processes.

WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON?

• Conducting research and performing experiments to develop new battery technologies that enhance overall battery performance
• Designing and executing experiments to test new battery materials and technologies, analyzing resulting data, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations based on findings
• Fabricating coin and pouch cells for electrochemical, spectroscopic, optical, and materials characterization studies
• Collaborating with fellow scientists and engineers in cross-functional teams to design and develop innovative battery technologies, and reporting on research findings
• Integrating customers' and partners' requirements and demands into the design process, providing technical expertise, and offering solutions to develop new technologies
• Applying for grant opportunities to secure funding for battery research, and developing research proposals
• Generating Intellectual Property, and working with advisors to file patent applications
• Coaching and mentoring junior R&D team members, ensuring the successful delivery of technical projects

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE IS SOMEONE WITH

• Ph.D. degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in a U.S. national laboratory or a commercial/industrial battery R&D environment
• Strong knowledge base and deep understanding of lithium-ion battery at cathode and anode materials, electrolyte, separator, and system level
• Experience in battery electrochemistry, chemical/materials systems, synthesis, characterization, lab batch cell production, process scale-up, experiment design, data analysis, and testing; prior experience with mechanical teardown is a plus
• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively
• Strong problem-solving skills with a highly analytical and critical-thinking mindset
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines, and comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment,
• Highly motivated and results-driven, with a strong sense of purpose, determination, and energy to pursue environmental sustainability initiatives

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is an on-site position in Princeton/Bordentown, NJ
• Able to work in the research lab environment and wear personal protective equipment including a dust mask, respirator, safety shoes, gloves, and safety glasses/face shield
• Able to lift & carry 25 pounds
• Able to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity

Princeton NuEnergy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, and local laws.