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

Overview

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 bench-scale to pre-commercial and commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and software solutions. ICM focuses on technologies for carbon dioxide removal, utilization, and avoidance, and on creating new supply chains and processing approaches for critical materials and elements foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition.

ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. ICM technologies have been recognized with awards such as the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, and are being commercialized through spin-out companies including Carbon Built Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Sea Change Inc.

The Institute for Carbon Management (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.

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. Benefits and the UC benefits package are available to employees starting on day one, and the total compensation value can be estimated with the UC Total Compensation Estimator.

• 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, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and electrode position 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)
• Good understanding of lab safety procedures and consistent safe operation. (Required)
• A self-starter who collaborates effectively, communicates clearly, and drives progress. (Required)
• Familiarity with HER suppression strategies and metal electrode position. (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)

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

• 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.

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

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