RA/Tech IV

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to lead the pouch cell prototyping line at the UBC Battery Innovation Center.

Organizational Status
This position will report directly to the School of Engineering.

Work Performed
Leads the commissioning of the battery pouch cell prototyping line and dry electrode manufacturing line in close collaboration with the equipment vendor

Coordinates on-site equipment installation, commissioning, and operator training with equipment vendors

Manages and prioritizes the utilization of the pouch cell and dry electrode manufacturing equipment by internal and external users to ensure project deliverables are achieved

Proactively identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves technical issues related to pouch cell equipment and dry room operations to minimize downtime and maximize productivity

Ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all battery manufacturing equipment while maintaining compliance with laboratory safety protocols

Leads end-to-end process design and optimization for electrode materials, driving development from raw materials through electrode manufacturing and pouch cell fabrication

Develops, optimizes, and scales manufacturing processes for electrode and pouch cell production to improve performance, yield, and reproducibility

Develops, standardizes, and maintains comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for electrode fabrication, pouch cell assembly, and equipment operation

Provides hands-on technical support, coordinates project schedules, and guides the research personnel to ensure high-quality execution of research and development activities

Prepares, reviews, and maintains technical documentation, including pouch cell specifications, manufacturing procedures, process parameters, control plans, and quality records

Leads or contributes to research and continuous improvement initiatives that advance the Center’s battery prototyping capabilities

Identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, process robustness, and product quality through data-driven process optimization

Serves as the primary technical lead for pouch cell development projects, partnering with academic and industrial clients to understand application requirements, define project scope, and deliver technical solutions aligned with the Center's expertise, resources, and manufacturing capabilities

Provides technical consultation throughout project execution and communicates progress, technical findings, and recommendations to stakeholders

Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The work of this position will be monitored by Dr. Jian Liu or designate. Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing the project or seriously compromise the quality of the research.

Supervision Received
This position will be directly supervised by Dr. Jian Liu and indirectly supervised by the Project Manager (Dr. Ayse Alemdar Thomson).

Supervision Given
This position will not be supervising others.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related field.

Minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field is considered a strong asset.

Prior hands-on experience in pouch or cylindrical cell manufacturing within battery companies or research organizations specializing in battery materials and cell development is required.

Demonstrated experience in process engineering and manufacturing scale-up for lithium-ion batteries.

Practical experience with electrode and cell manufacturing processes, including slurry mixing, coating, drying, calendering, slitting, stacking, electrolyte filling, sealing, formation, and testing.

Strong understanding of process optimization, statistical process control, and manufacturing quality principles.

Familiarity with battery characterization techniques and analytical methods for evaluating electrode materials and cell performance.

Ability to analyze manufacturing data and implement process improvements to enhance yield, quality, and productivity.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to prepare technical documentation and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, academic collaborators, industrial partners, and equipment vendors.

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced research environment.

Demonstrated ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative and customer-focused research culture.

Working knowledge of computer applications for word processing and spreadsheets, as well as Internet browsers and email applications.