Postdoctoral Scientist Job

July 4, 2021
King of Prussia, PA
Job Type



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Division:    Arkema Inc.

Department/Business Group:  Corporate Research

Job title:  

Postdoctoral Scientist – Battery Technology and Material

Situation in organization

Individual formally reports to the Scientific Director and is part of a team led by a Principal Scientist at the King of Prussia Research Center; they will work closely with Arkema’s global team.  

Job dimensions

The scientist will support new lithium-ion battery electrode and separator developments, cell building, and electrochemical testing at Arkema reach center. The scientist will be responsible for establishing structure-property and performance relationships between the individual constituent of the electrode and solvent-free-processes (either aqueous or dry) and actual cells performance.  The scientist will work closely with other R&D teams in Arkema.  Responsibilities of this position included:

  1. Physical/chemical characterization of key constituent (i.e. binder, conductive carbon, high nickel active materials, nano-scale metal oxides, separate, electrolyte), identifying of main attributes, and their compatibilities with solvent-free processes
  2. Design and development of solvent-free formulation /optimization (either for aqueous or dry processes) and fabrication of electrodes, or electrodes/separator composite to achieve energy density and calendar-life targets performance
  3. Design, assembly, and the testing of different cell formats, and interpretation of results to guide and support battery development
  4. Conduct electrochemical diagnostics and post-mortem cell analyses to identify failure mechanisms and suggest corrective actions.


  1. Contribute effectively to product development efforts that are focused on testing and optimizing new binders, separators, electrolytes, and conductive carbons in solvent-free processes (either aqueous of dry) suitable for high-energy lithium ion batteries. 20%
  2. Develop and carry out characterization techniques, which can identify the key features needed for solvent-free processes to manufacture high-energy lithium ion batteries.  20%
  3. Develop, implement, and conduct formulation optimization, electrode fabrication, cell manufacturing, and testing methods that can predict how new components will perform in high energy battery systems. 20%
  4. Provide broad technical knowledge, serve as a technical, and cell expert that can apply fundamental knowledge to advance Arkema’s project in development of new materials and solvent-free processes (either aqueous or dry) for high-energy batteries. 25%
  5. Work in multi-disciplinary team, interpret analytical data and prepare reports using materials characterization techniques including rheological techniques, SEM, ICP, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XPS, titration, chromatography, porosity, surface characterization, electrochemical techniques such as IES, cyclic voltammetry, conductivity, and impedance measurements at different SOC. 15%

Context and environment

The position is part of a team working on developing new materials and solvent-free processes (either aqueous or dry) for high-energy batteries. The candidate will work collaboratively with other scientists and technical staff at all levels in a hands-on laboratory research environment.  He/she will work directly with a Principal Scientist, but will also interface with higher levels of Arkema R&D management and with international colleagues. There may be occasional travel to partner’s sites or conferences (5%).


  1. Maintain a safe, accident-free workplace and participate in department, site, and corporate safety programs.
  2. Organize and carry out physical/chemical characterization of new materials and identify their key properties suitable and unique for solvent-free processes (either aqueous or dry) for manufacturing high-energy cells.   
  3. Acquire, interpret analytical data and prepare reports using materials characterization techniques including rheological techniques, SEM, ICP, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XPS, titration, chromatography, porosity, and surface characterization.
  4. Optimize electrode formulations and fabrication, build and test cells.
  5. Cell assembly and testing by means of cycling, EIS, and cyclic voltammetry to qualify new materials for high-energy cells      
  6. Identify shortcoming of existing materials for solvent-free processes (either aqueous or dry) and work towards improvement by designing new advance materials.
  7. Prepare and maintain standard operation procedures, validate methods and equipment, develop and implement new characterization test protocols
  8. Determine best techniques and the most effective characterization paths to attain the desired information
  9. Train, guide and define tasks for technicians to facilitate work at high standards
  10. Ensure compliance for Environmental Health and Safety guidelines and promote improvements to enhance efficiency and safety in the laboratories and other work areas. Document lab work in electronic notebook regularly.  Summarize results and conclusions in monthly progress reports.  Contribute to the written research reports when necessary.
  11. Accurate and timely communication of results and problems or obstacles to the project team.

Qualifications / experience required

  1. Broad knowledge of material science, physical chemistry, and/or colloid science with understanding of materials relevant to lithium-ion batteries.  Knowledge and experience with formulation and cell manufacturing is a plus.
  2. Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently, analyze data and draw sound conclusions from own results and results of others through application of statistical techniques. 
  3. Knowledge of safe lab practices and able to instill a safe working culture in the team.
  4. Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, or similar relevant field.
  5. Strong hands-on laboratory skills.  Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments carefully and critically in a dynamic environment.
  6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English) and ability to present results clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
  7. Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with both internal and external technical/commercial groups.
  8. Per the DOE (Department of Energy) requirements, the candidate must be a United States citizen



Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Job Segment:
Chemistry, Genetics, Scientific, Engineer, Scientist, Science, Engineering

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