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    Princeton NuEnergy

    Renewables & Environment

    Research Fellow – LIB Cathode Materials & Plasma Processing

    Monmouth Junction, United StatesOn-SiteFull-timePosted 1mo ago
    All Princeton NuEnergy jobs

    Job description

    Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) is an advanced materials manufacturing and technology company with the most cost-effective and capital-efficient process for the production of battery-grade cathode active material (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. Built on a proprietary, closed-loop platform, PNE's high-performing technologies span multiple high-growth materials businesses, including Rejuvenation (Cathode-to-Cathode® direct recycling), Advanced Black Mass™, Upcycled® CAM, and more—strengthening the domestic battery supply chain while supporting U.S. energy independence and national security priorities.

    Overview

    We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join our R&D team through the New Jersey Innovation and Research Fellowship Program (IRFP) for an anticipated two-year fellowship. Working alongside experienced scientists and engineers, the Fellow will contribute to the development of next-generation battery materials, proprietary direct recycling technologies, and plasma processing while gaining hands-on experience translating cutting-edge research into commercial manufacturing solutions.

    The second year of the fellowship is contingent upon satisfactory first-year performance, successful achievement of fellowship milestones, and continued program funding. Upon completion of the fellowship, continued employment with Princeton NuEnergy will be based on individual performance, business needs, and project availability.

    Important Eligibility Information

    This position is expected to be supported through the New Jersey Innovation and Research Fellowship Program (IRFP). Applicants must meet all IRFP eligibility requirements at the time of application, including having received a Ph.D. within the previous 12 months or being prepared to successfully defend their dissertation within three (3) months of the application deadline.

    Applications for this position will be accepted through September 30, 2026. Candidates requiring OPT or CPT sponsorship are not eligible for this fellowship.

    Strong preference will be given to candidates who graduated from a New Jersey institution of higher education or New Jersey residents graduating from an institution outside of New Jersey, consistent with IRFP program guidelines.

    WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON

    • Design, plan, and execute laboratory research supporting the development of lithium-ion battery cathode active materials (CAM), including LFP, LMFP, and other next-generation battery chemistries.
    • Conduct research on cathode material synthesis, regeneration, plasma-assisted materials processing, and process optimization for both virgin and recycled feedstocks.
    • Design and perform plasma experiments to evaluate and improve materials processing technologies.
      Fabricate and evaluate electrochemical cells, including coin cells and pouch cells, to assess battery performance and material quality.
    • Perform advanced materials characterization using analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP, particle size analysis, and other physical and chemical characterization methods.
    • Analyze experimental data, identify technical challenges, and recommend innovative solutions to improve material performance, process reproducibility, and manufacturing scalability.
    • Collaborate closely with scientists, process engineers, and pilot production teams to transfer laboratory innovations into pilot-scale manufacturing.
    • Maintain accurate laboratory records and prepare technical reports, presentations, publications, invention disclosures, and grant-related documentation.
    • Present research findings to internal technical teams and contribute to external collaborations when appropriate.
      Support technology commercialization initiatives aligned with PNE's battery recycling and advanced materials platform.

    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Ph.D. (or expected Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Plasma Physics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
    • Demonstrated experience conducting independent scientific research and laboratory experimentation.
    • Knowledge of lithium-ion battery materials, electrochemistry, advanced materials synthesis, plasma processing, or related research areas.
    • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
    • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Research experience in one or more of the following areas:
      • Lithium-ion batteries
      • Cathode active materials (CAM)
      • Direct recycling or cathode rejuvenation
      • Plasma-assisted materials processing
      • Advanced materials synthesis
      • Electrochemical characterization
    • Hands-on experience with battery fabrication and electrochemical testing.
    • Experience using characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, ICP-OES, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, or related analytical instrumentation.
    • Familiarity with statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific software.
    • Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, or externally funded research projects.
    • Passion for sustainable energy technologies and translating research into commercial impact.

    Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.

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    About the company

    Princeton NuEnergy

    Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE) is an innovative U.S.-based clean-tech company, spun out from Princeton University in 2019, and reaching commercial production in 2023. We are revolutionizing the material supply chain with our patented low-cost process for producing high-quality cathode active materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. We recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, consumer electronics, energy storage batteries, and manufacturing scrap. Our primary product: directly re-usable Cathode and Anode materials at 99.99% purity – produced at half the cost of virgin material production with zero waste!

    View all Princeton NuEnergy jobsLinkedIn
    Industry
    Renewables & Environment
    Founded
    2019
    Open roles
    6

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