Battery Recycling Researcher

The Applied Materials Division (AMD) at Argonne National Laboratory conducts applied research to develop sustainable innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of resource and energy utilization; to minimize our dependence on imported energy; and to enhance our national security.

A research and development position is now open in the Materials Recycling R&D Group. The position is broadly focused on lithium-ion battery recycling R&D. This candidate will join a team developing and testing material separations and recycling operations, and will lead, or help lead projects. The candidate should have a basic understanding of lithium-ion battery systems and performance characteristics, but process design and scale up is a key skill for this position. The projects will involve R&D on many different separation technologies as well as pilot plant design, installation, and operation. A solid background in materials recycling, battery recycling, and plant operations is preferred. Knowledge in direct recycling, hydro/pyro recycling, and/or other metal recycling technologies area also preferred. Due to the chemical and mechanical nature of the processes being worked on, a good background in engineering, chemistry, and a mechanical aptness is necessary to be successful in this position.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years’ work experience, or Master's Degree and 3+ years’ work experience, or Doctorate and 1-2 years’ experience in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials engineering, or similar degree.

• Understanding of lithium-ion batteries and how they work.

• Understanding of the materials used to make lithium-ion batteries.

• Knowledge of materials separation equipment and techniques.

• Ability to work with hand tools and building/adapting equipment.

• Ability to work well within a team as well as alone.

• Ability to lead projects and its team members.

• Skilled in oral and written communications at all levels of the organization.

• A successful candidate must have the ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries.

• Knowledge metallurgical separation technologies.

• Experience with equipment installations and start-up/debug.

• Experience in process development and plant design.

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