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R&D Technician

Lithios

Lithios

Boston, MA, USA · Medford, OR, USA · Massachusetts, USA · United States
Posted on Oct 8, 2024

Who We Are

Lithium is the wonder metal that sits at the heart of the global shift to EVs. Although EV demand is skyrocketing, global lithium supply cannot keep up using traditional extraction methods. The only way the industry will be able to scale lithium supplies by 10 times is by efficiently extracting the element from brine deposits, which contain about three quarters of all known lithium reserves.

Lithios is a technology company based in Medford, MA, commercializing a breakthrough electrochemical process called Advanced Lithium Extraction (ALE). ALE uses renewable electricity to make lithium cheaply, safely, and with a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, ALE is more versatile than traditional extraction methods and can unlock huge untapped lithium resources in the US and globally, alleviating a major bottleneck in the global transition to EVs.

We are building a diverse and collaborative company. Our employees put team and mission first, build with humility and compassion, and strive to make the world a better place. We are a high-growth startup backed by world-leading organizations and investors. At Lithios, we wake up every day to do the most fulfilling, impactful work of our lives. Come change the world with us!

Position Overview

Lithios seeks an R&D technician who will work with the research and development team to deliver solutions in the following areas:

· testing to continuously improve our electrochemical methods and systems for selective lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures;

· performing key laboratory processes to support R&D efforts, including materials synthesis and processing, device assembly, and data collection;

· overseeing the safe, reliable, and productive usage of Lithios’s R&D facilities;

· developing methods to improve the throughput of experimentation and data collection.

This full-time role is hands-on in the laboratory. As a member of Lithios’s growing team, the

R&D technician will work closely with the company’s experienced scientists and engineers and

will receive extensive mentorship. This role reports to a senior scientist.

Candidate Qualifications

· Bachelor’s, Associate’s, or certification in chemistry, materials science, engineering, engineering technology, and/or demonstrated equivalence in relevant work experience.

· Experience in an R&D environment. Ability to safely work in a lab environment with basic tools, hazardous chemicals, and electronics.

· Ability to interface with the necessary suppliers, support, or contractors to effectively troubleshoot and maintain critical R&D equipment.

· Professional or academic experience with chemical and/or electrochemical systems is strongly preferred. A background in battery systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, supercapacitors) or related technologies (e.g., capacitive deionization, electrolyzers, fuel cells, electrowinning) is a plus.

· Professional or academic experience with analytical chemistry or materials characterization techniques (e.g.: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ion chromatography, SEM-EDS, XRD) is a plus.

· Experience with battery electrode manufacturing, including slurry preparation and coating techniques, is a plus.

· Strong attention to detail and ability to complete tasks based on verbal and written instructions.

· Basic familiarity with principles of inorganic and solution chemistry (e.g.: metal dissolution-precipitation reactions), and/or electrochemistry.

· Strong organizational and documentation skills.

· Excellent technical communication skills.

· Basic familiarity with the Microsoft Office software suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).

· Ability to work hands-on in the lab individually and as a team.

· The desire to be in a dynamic startup environment with a focus on critical thinking to find impactful solutions to difficult challenges.

Key Responsibilities

· Collaborate with other R&D team members to design, plan, and conduct tests on our electrochemical devices.

· Perform chemical synthesis of materials and solutions, fabricate lithium capture electrodes, assemble electrochemical cells, and conduct analytical electrochemical and chemical test-work.

· Manage and oversee the safe and reliable operation of key pieces of R&D equipment and troubleshoot and maintain the equipment as necessary.

· Prepare and manage standard operating procedures for key lab equipment and protocols.

· Communicate technical challenges and results across the organization to advance product development.

Compensation and Benefits

· Competitive salary.

· Equity in the company.

· A 401(k) plan with employer matching.

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance are 100% covered.

· Commuter benefits and public transportation expenses are 100% covered.

· 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of paid sick time off, in addition to all federal holidays and all days between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

· Eight weeks of paid parental leave, with the option to extend for an additional four weeks of unpaid leave.

· Flexible bereavement leave policy, including time off for the loss of a pet.

· Coverage of up to $5,000 in eligible moving expenses*.

· Company-supported opportunities in career development as well as the opportunity to be a leader in a rapidly growing organization.

· A fun, diverse, and talented team focused on making the biggest impact possible on the lithium industry.

*Eligible moving expenses include moving household goods and personal effects, employee travel and lodging, packing/unpacking services

Closing Statement

Lithios is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are building a team of individuals and creating an environment where all backgrounds and experiences are valued. We credit our success to the diverse perspectives our team members bring and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, nationality, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, or Veteran status.

We know the right candidate may not meet all the criteria listed in this job description. If you believe you are a great candidate for this role and possess relevant skills that are not listed above, please reach out and tell us why you are a good fit!

Come help us extract lithium sustainably to unlock an electric future for the world.