"Electrolyte-Design and Reaction-Engineering Chemist – Electro-Deposition"

Department Summary

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas: (1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and (2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Fe, Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo, Mg) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and SeaChange Inc.

Position Summary

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM is seeking an experienced electrolyte chemist to design and evaluate aqueous and hybrid electrolyte systems for metal electrowinning applications. The candidate will focus on formulating electrolytes that enable selective metal deposition, suppress hydrogen evolution, and enhance ore dissolution. This role is central to developing the chemical foundation for a new class of electrowinning reactors and will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and electrochemical engineers to transition concepts into lab-scale prototypes.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years Experience with aqueous electrolyte formulation and chemical analysis. (Required)
• Experience with hydrometallurgical processes or ore leaching systems. (Preferred)
• Strong background in aqueous electrochemical systems, HER, and electrodeposition processes. (Required)
• Strong understanding of redox chemistry, complexation, and speciation in solution. (Required)
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation. (Required)
• Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly across multidisciplinary teams. (Required)
• Have a good understanding of lab safety procedures and ability to consistently operate safely. (Required)
• A self-starter who collaborates effectively, communicates clearly, and drives progress. (Required)
• Familiarity with HER suppression strategies and metal electrodeposition. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of high-salinity and highly concentrated electrolytes. (Preferred)
• Understanding of electrode-electrolyte interactions. (Preferred)
• Passion for applied electrochemistry and sustainability-driven technologies. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
• Master's Degree Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
• PhD Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field. (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union/Policy Covered

TX-Systemwide Technical