General Motors

Staff Researcher

General Motors • $120K — $145K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
  • 7+ years of post-doctoral experience in battery research.
  • Knowledge of cutting-edge energy-storage technologies and commercialization pathways.
  • Proven track record of initiating and managing complex research programs.
  • Hands-on experience with materials development and performance evaluation.
  • Skilled in failure analysis and translating findings into recommendations.
  • Strong ability to collaborate across multiple technical and organizational teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement long-term research strategies for advanced battery technologies.
  • Identify and evaluate new scientific opportunities for research proposals.
  • Lead the development and testing of novel battery materials and components.
  • Conduct detailed analysis to understand structure-property-performance relationships.
  • Direct root-cause analyses to develop design improvements based on findings.
  • Act as a technical authority in research forums and influence decision-making.
  • Mentor team members to elevate technical standards and improve research practices.

Benefits

  • Participation in a company vehicle evaluation program.
  • Hybrid work environment with flexible reporting requirements.
  • Potential eligibility for relocation benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

As a Staff Researcher on the Advanced Materials & Chemistries group, you will provide technical leadership for the development of next-generation battery materials, chemistries, and cell solutions for electric-vehicle and grid-storage applications. You will define and advance research directions, convert emerging scientific opportunities into high-impact development programs, and lead complex work from early concepts through technical validation and scale-relevant demonstrations.

This role combines deep individual technical contributions with broad influence across materials, cell, manufacturing, modeling, analytical, and product-development organizations. You will establish technical strategies, guide experimental plans, resolve complex failure modes, and translate research results into decisions that shape GM's battery technology roadmap.

What You'll Do
  • Define and lead multi-year research strategies for advanced battery materials, components, and cell technologies aligned with business and product objectives.
  • Identify emerging scientific opportunities, assess technical and business relevance, and develop proposals for new research programs, partnerships, and intellectual property.
  • Lead the design, synthesis, integration, and evaluation of novel battery materials and component technologies, including active materials, electrolytes, interfaces, and related cell components.
  • Perform material-level characterization, electrochemical evaluation, physical and mechanical analysis, and data interpretation to establish structure-property-performance relationships.
  • Lead degradation, and root-cause analyses across material, component, cell, and process levels; convert findings into corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Serve as a technical authority in research reviews and cross-functional forums; influence decisions through clear technical judgment, evidence-based recommendations, and effective communication.
  • Mentor researchers and engineers, raise technical standards, and strengthen experimental rigor, documentation, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
  • Lead external collaborations with universities, national laboratories, suppliers, and strategic technology partners as appropriate.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports, invention disclosures, journal publications, conference presentations, and executive-level technical recommendations.
  • Manage multiple complex priorities while maintaining strong attention to safety, quality, reproducibility, confidentiality, and schedule.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, physics, or a closely related science or engineering discipline.
  • 7+ years post doctorate relevant experience in battery research and development at the materials, component, cell, or system level, including experience leading major technical programs.
  • Broad knowledge of state-of-the-art energy-storage technologies, key performance trade-offs, degradation mechanisms, and pathways to commercialization.
  • Demonstrated ability to originate innovative technical concepts and define, plan, fund, and execute complex research programs.
  • Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments for materials development, characterization, cell integration, and performance evaluation.
  • Experience with failure analysis, root-cause determination, and the translation of experimental evidence into technical recommendations.
  • Ability to operate as an independent technical leader while collaborating effectively across research, engineering, manufacturing, and product-development organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Hands-on experience with chemical, electrochemical, physical, or materials characterization methods.


What will give you a competitive edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • More than 10 years of battery research and development experience, including experience leading major battery material, cell development, or commercialization programs.
  • Deep expertise in one or more battery component areas, such as cathode or anode active materials, electrolytes, interfaces, binders, coatings, or cell architectures.
  • Experience with advanced lithium-ion or sodium-ion battery materials and next generation technologies.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership for cell testing, formation, electrode optimization, and full-cell validation with multiple format battery cells, such as pouch, prismatic or cylindrical cells.
  • Professional experience working across global R&D and customer ecosystems, with the ability to build alignment across geographically distributed teams.
  • Experience establishing electrochemical quality-control protocols, cell-testing SOPs, high-throughput testing workflows, or analytical methods used across qualification programs.


Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Staff Researcher jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI