Company: Exoben Inc.
Location: United States
Job Type: Full-Time
About Exoben:
Exoben Inc. is a global leader in clean energy innovation, driving the future of energy storage with cutting-edge battery technologies. Our focus is on developing advanced lithium and sodium battery systems, with a growing emphasis on solid-state battery technologies. These technologies promise higher energy densities, greater safety, and enhanced efficiency compared to conventional batteries. At Exoben, we are committed to revolutionizing energy storage solutions, and we invite you to join us on this journey by contributing your expertise as a Solid-State Physicist.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled Solid-State Physicist to join our R&D team. The successful candidate will specialize in the physics of solid materials, focusing on optimizing ionic conductivity, energy density, and other key parameters critical to the development of solid-state batteries. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and material scientists to push the boundaries of solid-state energy storage. Your role will involve experimental work, material characterization, theoretical modeling, and performance testing to help design next-generation solid-state battery technologies.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to revolutionary advancements in energy storage and make a meaningful impact on the global transition to sustainable energy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Solid-State Battery Research: Conduct research on solid-state battery technologies, focusing on enhancing the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes and improving overall battery performance, including energy density, cycle life, and safety.
- Material Characterization: Investigate and characterize solid materials, such as solid electrolytes and electrode interfaces, using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Analyze the properties and behavior of these materials under various operating conditions.
- Ion Transport & Conductivity Optimization: Develop and optimize materials with high ionic conductivity to ensure fast ion transport across solid-state electrolytes. Study mechanisms of ion migration and diffusion within solid materials, focusing on minimizing resistance and maximizing performance.
- Energy Density Enhancement: Work on increasing the energy density of solid-state batteries by exploring new materials, optimizing existing ones, and designing innovative electrode architectures that allow for higher energy storage capacity.
- Interface Engineering: Address challenges related to the interfaces between solid electrolytes and electrodes. Work on improving the stability, compatibility, and performance of these interfaces to reduce resistance, prevent dendrite formation, and enhance battery longevity.
- Solid-State Electrolytes Development: Design, synthesize, and test novel solid electrolytes that offer high ionic conductivity, chemical stability, and safety benefits. Explore different classes of materials, such as sulfides, oxides, and polymers, to identify the most suitable candidates for solid-state batteries.
- Theoretical Modeling & Simulations: Use computational tools and theoretical modeling (e.g., density functional theory – DFT, molecular dynamics – MD) to predict the behavior of solid materials and ion transport phenomena within solid-state systems. Use simulations to guide experimental work and optimize material selection.
- Thermal & Mechanical Stability: Investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of solid-state battery components, ensuring that they can withstand the stresses associated with charge/discharge cycles and high-power applications.
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: Work closely with materials scientists, chemists, battery engineers, and process engineers to integrate solid-state materials into full battery systems, ensuring seamless compatibility between components and optimizing system-level performance.
- Testing & Validation: Design and execute experiments to validate the performance of solid-state batteries under different conditions. Analyze data from electrochemical tests, including impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic cycling, to assess the efficiency and longevity of the materials.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Focus on developing solid-state battery materials and technologies that are not only high-performing but also environmentally sustainable and safe. Identify materials that minimize environmental impact and enhance recyclability.
- Documentation & Reporting: Prepare detailed technical reports, research papers, and presentations on the findings from your research. Present results to internal teams, stakeholders, and at industry conferences. Contribute to patent applications for new materials and technologies.
Qualifications:
- Educational Background: PhD in Solid-State Physics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, or a related field with a specialization in the physics of solid materials and energy storage systems.
- Experience: 6+ years of experience in solid-state materials research, particularly in the context of energy storage applications such as solid-state batteries or related technologies.
- Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of the fundamental physics governing solid materials, ion transport, and solid-state electrolytes. Expertise in solid-state battery chemistry, interfaces, and energy storage principles.
- Material Characterization Skills: Proficiency in using advanced material characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, and spectroscopy to analyze solid materials and their performance in energy storage systems.
- Modeling & Simulation: Experience with computational modeling and simulation techniques such as density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), or other relevant methods for predicting material behavior and guiding experimental work.
- Experimental Skills: Hands-on experience in the synthesis, fabrication, and testing of solid-state battery materials, including solid electrolytes, electrodes, and interface engineering.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and present complex research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Problem-Solving & Innovation: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and develop innovative solutions to advance solid-state battery technology.
- Project Management: Experience in leading or contributing to R&D projects, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables in a fast-paced research environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral Experience: Postdoctoral research in solid-state physics, materials science, or related fields, with a focus on solid-state batteries or energy storage systems.
- Industry Experience: Experience working in the energy storage industry, particularly in the development of solid-state battery materials and systems for automotive, consumer electronics, or grid storage applications.
- Advanced Interface Engineering: Expertise in addressing interface challenges between solid electrolytes and electrodes, with a track record of improving performance and stability at these critical junctions.
- Sustainability Focus: A strong commitment to developing environmentally friendly solid-state battery materials that reduce the use of toxic or hazardous substances and promote sustainability in battery production and recycling.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses.
- Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic and fast-evolving field, with access to advanced research facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
- Impactful Work: Be part of a team that is driving the next generation of energy storage technologies, working on high-impact projects that contribute to global sustainability and technological innovation.
- Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where creativity, scientific excellence, and teamwork are valued.
- Work-Life Balance: We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where applicable.
how to apply
If you are passionate about solid-state physics and energy storage, and want to contribute to the development of the next generation of battery technologies, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and a cover letter via Indeed or through our website at www.exoben.com, detailing your experience in solid-state materials, battery technology, and energy storage research.
Exoben Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join Exoben and be part of the revolution in solid-state battery technologies that will shape the future of energy storage!