Job Title: Research Scientist
Application Deadline: Applications will be evaluated beginning May 15th. The position will remain open until filled.
Location: Madison, WI
US Work Authorization: Required
Full-Time Position
Salary: Based on level of experience
Expected Start Date: July 5th, 2022
Job Description
About ChloBis Water
At ChloBis Water, our vision is to transform the way the world approaches water desalination through the development of a revolutionary energy-efficient technology called a desalination battery. The desalination battery removes salt from water while simultaneously using salt ions to store and release energy, making our technology uniquely positioned to address challenges at the intersection of the water-energy nexus. The salt removed from water is then converted into valuable resources to create a sustainable resource recovery cycle.
Water desalination technologies play a critical role in addressing issues related to both water scarcity and water quality. However, the high energy required for conventional desalination methods and the production of a concentrated waste product called brine makes desalination impractical for many applications. ChloBis Water is on a mission to develop a technology that can overcome these limitations to make desalination affordable and accessible in places that it’s not today. We have been recognized with support from the National Science Foundation and by the Activate Fellowship (a competitive two-year fellowship for startup founders).
About the Team
ChloBis Water was founded by two Ph.D. researchers and a chemistry professor working together at UW-Madison, including Prof. Kyoung-Shin Choi. Over the last four years, we have been working to demonstrate technology proof-of-concept and are now ready to grow our team. We are passionate about using innovative science to improve affordable access to fresh water and have created a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages the generation of new and creative ideas to solve problems.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated Research Scientist who will be responsible for materials’ synthesis, electrode fabrication, electrochemical testing, and data analysis. As a valuable member of this four-person team, you will spend the majority of your time in the lab developing materials for the desalination battery. The materials you will work on will be used to remove and recover sodium from water and are an essential component of our device. You will be trained and supervised by the CEO, Dr. Margaret Lumley, and work closely with the technology development lead, Dr. Dohwan Nam. You will become an important part of our early-stage team of hardworking people who are committed and excited to bring this new technology to market. This role is right for you if you are motivated by solving complex problems, take action when you encounter challenges, and enjoy assuming a variety of different roles in a dynamic startup environment.
Primary Job Responsibilities
Synthesize sodium-storage materials using aqueous precipitation chemistry
Fabricate electrodes using a bench-scale ball milling process
Perform electrochemical experiments to evaluate the performance of electrodes under various operating conditions
Analyze experimental data to determine relationships between materials’ properties and performance to iterate materials development, and clearly communicate results
Prepare data for inclusion in internal and external reports such as government grant applications
Use scientific and engineering principles to solve problems
Perform literature reviews and propose new approaches to technical challenges
Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related discipline (background in electrochemistry preferred)
1 – 2 years’ experience working in a research laboratory (experience working with battery electrode materials and/or materials’ synthesis experience preferred)
Analytical problem-solving skills
Patience and persistence to manage detailed complex lab-based experiments from start to finish
Microsoft office skills (Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for presentation preparation, and Word for report preparation)
Strong oral and written communication skills
Careful note-taking and thorough record-keeping
Desire to work in a hands-on, lab-based role
Ability to work collaboratively on a cross-functional team in a flexible, fast-paced startup environment
Enthusiasm for bringing a new technology to market and willingness to pitch in wherever help is needed
Information to Include in Cover Letter
What personal journey led you to apply for this position?
Describe why you think you’re a good fit for ChloBis Water.
What are your long-term career goals?
To apply please send a resume and cover letter to malumley@chlobis.com.