Research Fellow - LIB Cathode Materials & Plasma Processing

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.