Research Scientist II

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution South Dakota Mines Working Title Research Scientist II Posting Number NFE03230P Department SDSMT-Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text

South Dakota Mines is seeking a Research Scientist II. This is a full-time benefited position. The Research Scientist II will conduct advanced and independent research in solid-state battery technology, with an emphasis on the development, fabrication, and optimization of electrode and solid-electrolyte films for solid-state pouch cells. The researcher will design and conduct experiments related to battery materials and components, develop and optimize material formulations, slurry compositions, coating conditions, and film-processing procedures, and investigate the effects of processing parameters on film uniformity, mechanical stability, interfacial contact, and electrochemical performance. The researcher will develop methods for scaling film fabrication from laboratory-scale cells to solid-state pouch-cell configurations and will assemble and evaluate solid-state battery cells and pouch cells using appropriate electrochemical testing methods. The position will involve characterization of battery materials, fabricated films, and electrode/solid-electrolyte interfaces, as well as analysis and interpretation of experimental data to understand relationships among material composition, processing conditions, interfacial properties, and battery performance. The researcher will identify scientific and technical challenges and develop experimental strategies to improve materials, film-processing methods, interfaces, and overall cell performance.

The Research Scientist II will also contribute to the development of new research directions and externally funded projects in solid-state battery technology. Responsibilities will include developing research concepts, preparing and contributing to research proposals for submission to federal agencies and other funding organizations, when appropriate and permitted by institutional and sponsor policies. The researcher will contribute to defining project objectives, technical approaches, milestones, and deliverables and will participate in the scientific and technical management of funded projects. Additional responsibilities will include collaboration with faculty, research staff, students, and external partners; providing scientific and technical guidance to students and other researchers; preparing technical reports, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts; and maintaining current knowledge of advances in solid-state battery materials, processing, and pouch-cell technology. Furthermore, the candidate will be responsible for maintenance of the lab equipment and purchasing requests. The workforce development effort must involve technical advising of K-12 students from the Black Hills area and SD Mines B.S. students interested in materials and processes relevant to energy storage.

Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering, a closely related scientific or engineering field is required. The position requires advanced knowledge of solid-state batteries, electrochemistry, battery materials, materials processing, and materials characterization, as well as demonstrated experience in independent experimental research. The successful candidate must be able to design and execute research activities, analyze and interpret complex scientific data, contribute to research proposal development, communicate research findings effectively, and work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin November 6, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

Posting Date 10/30/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 11/06/2026 Advertised Salary $61,894 - $65,000 depending on education and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

9:00am-5:00pm

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status Yes Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires No Requirement If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment. The South Dakota Mines Strategic Plan can be found here.

Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Surgical Mask If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Color Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Working Around Machinery Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Glove box and pumps

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Lab Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting

• Internal Job Posting

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• Website

• Other

• Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents