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Full-Time

Director of Research

New Materials

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Sila Nanotechnologies

Sila Nanotechnologies

201-500 employees

Develops advanced battery materials for EVs

Energy
Social Impact
Automotive & Transportation

Compensation Overview

$204k - $258kAnnually

+ Equity + Bonuses

Expert

Alameda, CA, USA

Category
Materials & Structures
Research & Development
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • Proven track record of innovations and bringing a product to market.
  • Demonstrated technical excellence in two or more of the following subjects: inorganic material synthesis, metallo organic synthesis, silicon or silicon-comprising materials, carbon materials, nanostructured materials synthesis, nanocomposite synthesis, nanoscale materials characterization, electrochemistry, batteries.
  • Willing to spend time in the lab to evaluate the root cause of problems.
  • Ability to quickly achieve preliminary results with limited resources, shift goals and priorities without losing team’s motivation.
  • Extensive experience (10+ years preferred) in leading sizable teams (5-50 PhD and MS level scientists or engineers), facilitating their professional growth and career advancement.
  • Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, or related disciplines.
Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of scientists in the discovery and exploration of the next generation of electrode materials, along with other product families and their synthesis pathways. Work effectively with the CTO, Strategy, Product, Technology and the rest of the company leadership to ensure the team is working toward clear goals and has sufficient time and resources to be successful in achieving these goals.
  • Identify new scientific, process, characterization and collaboration opportunities to strengthen the team and expedite time-to-market.
  • Engage in the recruitment, interview, hiring, and onboarding of exceptional individuals to expand your team’s capacity, capabilities, and diversity. Maintain processes, systems, and infrastructure that enhance the team’s efficiency.
  • Guide your team and provide support and motivation through the ups and downs of ambitious, mission-driven research. Establish transparent performance expectations, and provide regular feedback. Provide mentorship to nurture their career development.
  • Foster an environment of psychological safety and accountability within the team, encouraging enthusiastic involvement in creative scientific ventures, constructive discourse, and deeply collaborative work for timely attainment of critical program milestones.
Sila Nanotechnologies

Sila Nanotechnologies

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Sila Nanotechnologies focuses on developing advanced battery materials that enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Their key product, Titan Silicon™, is designed to improve battery efficiency and is used in partnership with major manufacturers like Panasonic. This collaboration allows Sila Nano to license its technology and supply high-performance materials to the industry. The company is expanding its production capabilities with facilities in California and Washington, aiming to meet the increasing demand for better battery materials and make electric vehicles more affordable. Sila Nano is also dedicated to environmental sustainability, striving to reduce the ecological impact of energy storage through its manufacturing processes.

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$999.7M

Headquarters

Alameda, California

Founded

2011

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

7%

1 year growth

5%

2 year growth

17%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The recent $375 million Series G funding round will accelerate the completion of the Moses Lake facility, enhancing production capabilities and meeting growing market demand.
  • Sila Nano's innovative materials, such as the 100% graphite replacement anode, enable longer range and faster charging for EVs, making it a key player in the future of electric mobility.
  • The company's focus on robust production design and processes ensures high-performance products that help clients differentiate in competitive markets.

What critics are saying

  • Delays in the construction and operationalization of the Moses Lake facility could impact Sila Nano's ability to meet its production targets and customer commitments.
  • The competitive landscape in advanced battery materials is intense, with numerous startups and established companies vying for market share.

What makes Sila Nanotechnologies unique

  • Sila Nano's Titan Silicon™ technology offers a significant performance boost to lithium-ion batteries, setting it apart from traditional battery materials.
  • The company's strategic partnerships with major players like Panasonic and Mercedes-Benz provide a strong validation of its technology and market potential.
  • Sila Nano's commitment to environmental sustainability and scaling production to 150 GWh positions it as a forward-thinking leader in the energy storage market.