Senior Scientist - Cathode

The Senior Scientist will push forward the design and development of advanced lithium metal batteries by investigating next-generation cathode materials and optimizing cathode performance. The Senior Scientist will develop research plans, perform experiments, analyze data, present results, and recommend new development pathways. They will collaborate closely with other engineers and scientists at Cuberg, as well as external partners, to improve Cuberg’s lithium-metal battery technology. In this role, the Scientist will lead technical projects in assessing cathode performance, safety, reliability, quality, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate has industry experience in working with and developing cathode active materials, formulation, and coating, and a strong foundation of materials science and electrochemistry. We work cross-functionally and collaboratively to serve our collective mission to build a better, more sustainable world from our new state of the art San Leandro facility. By joining Cuberg’s Advanced R&D Team, you will be a key player in maturing our cell chemistry, contributing to electrifying the aviation industry, and being a part of the transition to a greener future.

Join us in building the future of energy.

About

Cuberg is commercializing next-generation battery technology to power the future of electric mobility. The company was acquired in 2021 by Northvolt, a global supplier of sustainable, high-quality battery cells and systems. As Northvolt's Advanced Technology Center operating in Silicon Valley, Cuberg is developing and commercializing lithium metal batteries, building an innovation ecosystem around lithium-ion technology, and leveraging Northvolt's state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to rapidly scale up production of advanced batteries.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a scientific or engineering field (e.g., materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline), or B.S./M.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience with cathode materials design and development, preferably with NMC cathodes
• Strong background in battery fundamentals, electrochemistry, and materials science
• Willingness to conduct/supervise experiments in laboratory, glovebox, and dry room environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects on cathode development initiatives aligned with the company's product roadmap and objectives and identify new pathways for development
• Collaborate with other R&D teams to explore and develop cutting-edge design concepts
• Optimize cathode by identifying, sourcing, characterizing, and testing various promising cathode materials and formulations
• Design experiments to understand structure-property-performance tradeoffs, analyze resulting data, and communicate results to diverse stakeholders
• Develop understanding of degradation/failure modes with different cathodes
• Identify and proactively address delays, obstacles, inefficiencies, and unexpected results

Benefits

• Group health benefits that provide strong support for employee well-being and preventative care, including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and flexible savings account plans
• A retirement program that helps build future financial security through both traditional and Roth 401(k) options with employer matching
• Generous paid time off plans to renew and refresh through vacation, personal leave, holidays, and parental leave

The San Francisco / Bay Area cash compensation (base + bonus) range for this full-time position is $127,000 - $157,000 + equity + benefits.