Job DescriptionAt UC San Diego, we are seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to join our research team in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, within the Jacobs School of Engineering. This role is intended for individuals who wish to make substantive contributions to research projects without the expectation of leading the team or conducting fully independent research.
The Project Scientist will:
- Make creative contributions to the research team.
- Publish and conduct research under the supervision of a Professor or Professional Research series member.
- Potentially serve as Co-Principal Investigator, though not as Principal Investigator. It is important to note that this position does not mandate independent research or the development of an independent research reputation. While university and public service are valued, they are not compulsory, and there are no formal teaching responsibilities. The duration of each appointment is subject to the research project's timeline and the availability of funds.
The department will not sponsor visas for this position.
This Project Scientist position will primarily support the LG Energy Solution - Future Research Lab (LG-FRL) Program, Phase II - a multi-institutional, industry-sponsored research initiative focused on the development of next-generation all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), spanning UC San Diego, the University of Chicago, UC Santa Barbara, and Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will focus on material design and processing design for the characterization of solid-state battery systems. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in nanoengineering, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Successful candidates should have demonstrated experience at the doctoral level or beyond in research and development of energy storage and conversion materials and devices, especially in:
- Solid-state battery fabrication;
- Comprehensive knowledge of energy conversion and storage devices;
- Cathode and semiconductor material preparation, including but not limited to casting, sintering, heat treatment, and spin-coating;
- Materials characterization, including but not limited to FIB, (S)TEM, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy.
Additional Qualifications/ResponsibilitiesBasic qualifications (required at time of application)
-Ph.D. in nanoengineering, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline at the time of application.
-Demonstrated research or applied R&D experience at the doctoral level or beyond (academic, national lab, or industry) in energy storage and conversion materials and devices, especially in:
-solid-state battery fabrication;
-Comprehensive knowledge of energy conversion and storage devices;
-Cathode and semiconductor material preparation, including but not limited to casting, sintering, heat treatment, and spin-coating;
-Materials characterization, including but not limited to FIB, (S)TEM, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy.
Preferred qualifications-Prior research or industry experience at the doctoral level or beyond in solid-state batteries, silicon anode systems, or halide-based solid electrolytes.
-Experience contributing to multi-institutional, industry- or government-sponsored research programs, including milestone tracking, deliverables coordination, and cross-site reporting.
-Proficiency in advanced characterization techniques such as cryo-SEM/FIB, synchrotron X-ray, or solid-state NMR.
-Proficiency in automated data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW), and excellent written and oral communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
-Commitment to mentoring and to building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.
