Seeking a Sr. Battery Research Scientist for a direct hire opportunity with our client in central Oregon near Portland. Under the direction of the Senior Technology Manager, the Sr. Battery Research Scientist will work both independently and with other R&D team members to assist in the development and commercialization of battery chemical products and to enable the next generation of high-performance lithium batteries for electric vehicles, wearable electronics, and other mobile devices.

Job Responsibilities – Sr. Battery Research Scientist

• Work as a part of the R&D team with an open mind to new ideas in a fast-paced environment.
• Support MLI's product management team to ensure robust battery products are released by preparing battery elements.
• Research customer needs and align with company needs and expectations.
• Develop strategies based on needs analysis.
• Critically evaluate procedures and identify potential issues/inconsistencies.
• Create new procedures for laboratory experiments and analysis.
• Develop and execute a plan to access the performance and lifetime of lithium-ion batteries with MLI products based on customer requirements or internal R&D goals.
• Keep up to date with literature to aid with chemistry development.
• Develop budgets for R&D spending.
• Perform hands-on laboratory experiments to accomplish project goals for the development of new products and applications using well-established good lab practices.
• Perform various battery fabrication techniques, ranging from lab-scale manufacturing of electrodes and electrolytes to electrochemical cells (coin/pouch cells and others).
• Use and maintain standard laboratory equipment including vacuum pumps, inert atmosphere chambers, rotary evaporators, distillation systems, recirculating chillers/heaters, and pressure vessels.
• Effectively communicate ideas, project goals project status, and results to internal technical and managerial audiences. Prepare reports – presentations or written documents – for internal and external purposes.
• Complete projects and provide a project final report/presentation.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook with detailed observations and records required to reproduce work or support MLI intellectual property goals, such as securing patents.
• Mentor and train Junior Scientists.
• Analyze data collected by Junior Scientists and recommend the next steps.
• Efficient time management skills and safety awareness.
• Take on additional duties – Lab Safety Officer, Rep. to Safety Council.
• Actively supporting and promoting MLI safety culture.
• Maintain 5S: clean, safe, and organized working environments.
• Interact well with other groups/departments as needed.
• Formulate additional procedures as necessary – determining the difference between new procedure vs. amendment.
• Be able to work independently with other departments/groups and maintain good working relationships.
• Provide technical support to customers when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline such as materials science or physics. Chemistry or related discipline preferred.
• Five to eight years of relevant experience (with polymers and battery research) in an industrial or academic setting is a MUST-HAVE.
• Proficiency with moderately complex analysis software including statistical analysis using JMP,
• Working knowledge of computers and MS Office software.
• Working knowledge of arithmetic and grammar.
• Excellent listening, oral, and written communication/presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with autonomy and be proactive, as well as strong self-discipline.
• Must submit to a background check.
• Must be authorized to work in the USA.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Understand scientific method and demonstrated ability to apply methods to achieve defined business objectives.
• Understand statistical analysis including analysis of variance, error analysis, tolerance stack-ups, etc.
• Follow written and verbal instructions in English.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously to meet established deadlines.
• Work as a team and/or independently.
• Perform tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Core Values – A strong culture is fundamental to success – and this is driven by our core company values. We expect employees to demonstrate and promote the values of Safety, Integrity, Ownership, Collaboration, Service, and Sustainability.
• Safety Conscious
• Strict compliance with Environmental and Safety regulations.
• Compliance and individual accountability with the Quality System and ISO Registration is required. It is the employee’s commitment to ensure that the Company’s actual practices and procedures are exercised as directed.

The client is located in Milwaukie, Oregon, and offers a competitive compensation, medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits; paid time off; 401(k) with employer match; life and AD&D insurance; short and long-term disability insurances, Education reimbursement, gym membership and other benefits.

They are offering relocation support, sign on bonus, full benefits package, rental assistance (will pay $1200 for the first three months towards their rent).