Job Description

Posting Text
The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a Research Associate II to support expanding research in electrochemical energy storage. This position is part of the newly established South Dakota Governor’s Research Center (SD GRC) for Electrochemical Storage Technology, funded by the South Dakota Research and Commercialization Council through the South Dakota Board of Regents. The Research Associate II will specialize in the fabrication, characterization, and application of materials for energy storage devices, including their use in agricultural contexts. They will collaborate closely with the core GRC team and have access to advanced facilities, including TEM (JEM 2100), a nanofabrication/cleanroom facility, electrochemical analyzers, and battery evaluation systems. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a grant funded, 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position contingent on continued grant funding.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering strives to impact the future of agriculture through engineering, precision and technology. The department focuses on identifying and improving the world’s food production systems and available natural resources for an enhanced agricultural future.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
In collaboration with SDSU PIs, write proposals to obtain external funds, and develop independent research programs with PIs of the SD GRC electrochemical energy storage projects. Assist PIs in SDSU write up annual research progress reports, as well as lead regular laboratory activities, including but not limited to writing standard operation protocols of experiments, maintaining inventory of chemicals, supplies and instruments, as well as organizing daily collaborative meetings of the laboratory. Mentor both graduate and undergraduate students. Introduce, advance and implement innovative electrochemical energy storage materials preparation, characterization and other significant factors in solid phase electrochemical batteries research areas. Focus on trans-disciplinary collaborations within the GRC Electrochemical Energy Storage center and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) to drive ideas from basic concepts to engineering practice for long-term sustainable research.

BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering and/or related field completed by start date;
At least one year of experience in batteries research laboratories;
A background in materials preparation, characterization, and a knowledge of electrochemical energy storage technology; and
Strong enthusiasm to explore new engineering problems and their scientific solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with electrochemical analyzers, CVD, batteries fabrication and evaluation, as well as electrode materials characterization, AI powered data analysis and machine learning.
Familiarity with electrochemical energy storage materials designation/fabrication/integration, knowledge of solid phase batteries device designation and fabrication.
1~2 years Research experience of ion-conducting materials and organic-inorganic hybrid materials for energy-related applications.
In the past two years, engaged in the research of full-solid-state electrolyte in lithium-ion battery.
More than 1 year experience in single ion conductive MOF-Polymer composite solid electrolytes membrane preparation and characterization.
1 year experience of investigating the ion conduction mechanism and the relationship between membrane structure and properties.
1~2 years experience in electrochemical energy storage technology, having rich experience in the preparation of MOFs/polymer electrolyte membrane materials used in full-solid-state independently.
Proficient in full-solid-state lithium battery assembly and electrochemical performance analysis.
Experience working with various groups of student populations and first-generation students.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.