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

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_189653

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

9/19/2025 1:02:04 PM

Date Last Edited:

9/19/2025 1:02:01 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1130O

Organization:

HENRY SAMUELI SCHOOL ENGR & APPL SCIENCE

Division Code:

1131D

Division:

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIEN DIV

Department:

012100 - INSTITUTE FOR CARBON MANAGEMENT

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_189653

Position Description ID

243624

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40039768

Reports to Payroll Title:

ASSIST PROF-AY-B/E/E

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061059

Department Head Payroll Title:

PROF-AY-B/E/E

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

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 (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:

(1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and

(2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Fe, Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo, Mg) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes.

ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and SeaChange Inc. 

Electrolyte & Cell Design

1. Design and test electrolyte and cell systems to support selective metal deposition and ore dissolution. 2. Develop and optimize electrolyte formulations, including water-in-salt, acidic, buffered, and hybrid systems. 3. Investigate chemical stability, solubility limits, and speciation behavior under operational conditions.

40%

Analytical & Experimental Evaluation

1. Perform electroanalytical measurements (CV, EIS, LSV, chronoamperometry, etc.) to probe kinetics and transport processes. 2. Evaluate impurity tolerance and selective metal recovery in complex multi-ion solutions. 3. Conduct and interpret chemical analyses using ICP-OES, UV-Vis, titration, and pH/conductivity measurements. 4. Deliver high-quality experimental data and perform data analysis based on theory and calculations.

40%

Collaboration & Scale-up

1. Collaborate with electrochemical engineers to assess electrolyte performance in electrowinning cells. 2. Generalize findings to inform scale-up, process modeling, and downstream separation strategies.

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Master's Degree

Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

PhD

Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field.

Preferred

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, HER, and electrodeposition 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

Have a good understanding of lab safety procedures and ability to consistently operate safely.

Required

A self-starter who collaborates effectively, communicates clearly, and drives progress.

Required

Familiarity with HER suppression strategies and metal electrodeposition.

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.