Senior Scientist - Cathode Materials
Alsym Energy
Job Title: Scientist / Senior Scientist – Cathode Materials
Job Summary: We are expanding our Materials Discovery team and are looking for a scientist who can own cathode materials end-to-end: from idea generation and synthesis to deep characterization, electrochemical validation, and scale-up readiness. This role is for someone who doesn’t stop at “interesting data” but pushes all the way to structure–property–performance understanding and manufacturable recipes. If you enjoy connecting crystal structure to voltage fade, particle morphology to kinetics, and synthesis parameters to real pouch-cell performance, you’ll feel disturbingly at home here.
Industry Background:
Industry Background: Alsym Energy, Inc is a leading innovator in the rapidly changing field of battery energy storage. It is essential for the world to succeed in the transition to sustainable energy and batteries are at the very core of the solution. In fact, the IEA predicts that 60% of CO2 emission reductions in 2030 will be directly related to batteries. This mission is what drives us every day. Over the last few years, supply-chain constraints and significant safety incidents arising from lithium-ion batteries have reduced confidence in the suitability of the technology. Alsym’s advanced sodium ion technology enables the highest performing non-lithium-ion battery in the industry, based on its safe, sustainable and long-lasting energy storage solution.
Key Qualifications:
Required Background
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
- Industry experience is preferred, but exceptional postdocs, recent PhDs, or national-lab researchers with strong hands-on credentials are encouraged to apply.
Technical Strengths
- Deep understanding of cathode active materials and structure–property–performance relationships.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in material synthesis and optimization.
- Strong command of electrochemical testing and data interpretation.
- Practical experience with XRD, SEM, XRF, and complementary characterization tools.
- Ability to move comfortably between fundamental science and applied engineering constraints.
Mindset We Care About
- You ask why before you optimize how.
- You can zoom from atomic structure to pouch-cell behavior without getting lost.
- You document your work well enough that someone else can reproduce it months later.
- You care about scale-up realities, not just Nature-grade plots.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Generate, design, and iterate on novel cathode active materials (CAMs) based on performance targets, mechanistic hypotheses, and experimental feedback.
- Lead hands-on synthesis, including parameter optimization towards phase purity, morphological control and scalability.
- Perform and interpret advanced characterization to correlate structural and chemical insights with electrochemical behavior.
- Design and execute electrochemical testing including CV, EIS, LSV, GITT, PITT, rate capability, and cycle life.
- Translate lab-scale success into repeatable, documented synthesis processes.
- Support pilot-scale efforts and provide clear recipes and specifications to manufacturing partners.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with members across multiple teams within the R & D organization to resolve performance bottlenecks.
- Communicate findings clearly, including what worked, what didn’t, and why.
- Coordinate with external labs when specialized characterization is required.
Why Join Us?
At Alsym, we believe in equitable compensation and a healthy work-life balance. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a benefits package designed to support you both inside and outside the office.
Perks & Lifestyle
- Prime Location: We are within easy walking distance of the train station.
- Commuter Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of free on-site parking.
- Health & Wellness: Stay active with access to our free on-site gym.
- Friday Fuel: We provide free lunch delivery every Friday to celebrate the end of the work week together.
Comprehensive Benefits
- Health & Dental: Premium insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Financial Future: Every employee is eligible for 401k plans and stock options.
- Time to Recharge: A flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) program to help you find your balance.
- Family & Security: Full eligibility for PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave).
Our Commitment to You
We maintain a firm Anti-Harassment Policy that includes robust Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Gender Protections. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Note: A full, detailed listing of all benefits will be provided following a formal offer of employment.