Research Specialist I - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!
Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

Trained materials scientist with chemistry background to advance battery R&D at the Clemson Nanomaterials Institute. Duties include experimental tasks related to electrode active material synthesis, slurry formulation, battery electrolyte, battery pouch cell fabrication, testing and evaluation to meet US Army's need for energy storage. Innovate better electrode active materials and slurry compositions via smart chemistry.

JOB DUTIES:

• 20% - Essential - Synthesize battery electrode active material and electrolytes. Based on a literature survey, and previous experience develop synthesis protocols for battery electrode active material and the best slurry formulations. Perform thorough spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of the developed materials.
• 20% - Essential - Use the doctorblading and/or spray coating method to prepare coated electrodes and prepare coin and pouch cells that meet US Army's need to function under extreme temperatures ranging from 105 degrees C to -45 degrees centigrade (a.k.a extreme batteries).
• 20% - Essential - Test and evaluate battery performance. The tests include the cycling data, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic data, and the current-voltage data.
• 20% - Essential - Build multi-layer pouch cells and battery modules for the US Army. Based on the experimental outcome of the above tasks, identify the best electrode and electrolyte compositions for the extreme batteries.
• 20% - Essential - Guide graduate students with their battery research projects. Provide related publications to students and help them troubleshoot experiments, if any.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - A high school diploma and work experience in a clinical or research setting
Work Experience 0+ years

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - 1st Doctoral / Professional Degree - Materials Science with a strong Chemistry background
Work Experience 1+ years in slurry formulations, synthesis techniques, colloids, suspensions, and slurry formulation

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises Student Workers only - Supervises Student workers only

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 10% - Stand for prolonged period
• 15% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
• 5% - Walk or move about
• 10% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 5% - Exposure to heat or cold
• 5% - Noise
• 20% - Chemical hazards
• 20% - Electrical hazards

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard hours: 37.5

Approximate dates of this temporary assignment: June 2026 through May 2027

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Anticipated Salary Range: $37,200 - $40,000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC