Research Associate

Aepnus Technology • Oakland, CA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in supporting experimental development and day-to-day lab operations for our electrochemical systems. You will contribute to generating high-quality data, maintaining reliable test infrastructure, and ensuring safe and efficient lab execution. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for someone who is comfortable working with chemical systems, operating lab equipment, conducting experiments, and supporting iterative R&D in a fast-paced environment. You will collaborate closely with the R&D and systems engineering teams, contributing to experimental campaigns, materials testing, and continuous improvement of our processes and lab capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry), including working with chemicals, analytical equipment, data analysis, and standard lab practices
• Experience handling chemicals safely, including acids/bases and adherence to chemical hygiene protocols
• Familiarity with electrochemical testing or related experimental systems
• Experience operating laboratory instrumentation and maintaining experimental setups
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and execute experimental protocols reliably
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electrochemical systems or technologies (e.g., batteries, electrolysis, corrosion, water treatment) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain electrochemical cells and test stations
• Collaborate with Engineers to design and execute experimental protocols in support of R&D initiatives
• Perform materials compatibility tests
• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including ion chromatography (IC)
• Prepare chemical solutions and safely handle reagents (including strong acids and strong bases)
• Maintain lab infrastructure, including equipment upkeep and organization
• Support lab safety programs, including adherence to chemical hygiene and safety standards
• Manage chemical and lab inventory, ensuring availability of materials and proper storage
• Coordinate and support waste management processes in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations clearly and consistently

Benefits

• $95,000 - $115,000 salary range, plus equity, commensurate with experience
• Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
• 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
• Flexible paid time off for wellness, vacation, and rest, plus 8 paid holidays per year
• Two weeks off in late December for an annual Winter Break
• Monthly team builds and an annual offsite retreat

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees