Lab Technician

Redefining the manufacturing of high performance solid-state batteries

Who we are

SOLiTHOR is a high-tech company which is utilising 10 years of research by imec, the prestigious Belgian R&D institute in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. 

Building on this unique and patented research, SOLiTHOR is pioneering an innovative roll-to-roll process through its proprietary solid-state platform – empowering Li-ion manufacturers to adopt solid-state architecture with ease. 

To strengthen our growing team of engineers and technologists, we are looking for a motivated and talented Lab Technician.

Job description

The Lab Technician will provide important support to development activities of the R&D Teams and the production of prototype battery cells. Most of the activities will be centred around the dry room in SOLiTHOR’s high-end facilities in Sint-Truiden, the beating heart of the battery component and prototype cell production. The Lab Technician will have two main responsibilities, namely 1) assembly of R&D level battery cells (single layer pouch) for the R&D teams and 2) execution of various quality control and support activities for the production of larger prototype battery cells. As Lab Technician you will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and reporting standards, and support continuous improvements to these documents where needed. 

Main responsibilities 

• Pouch cell assembly to specifications defined by Cell Engineering Team, and operation of associated equipment, including stacking, tab welding, heat sealing/bagging, vacuum drying, electrolyte filling, vacuum sealing/degassing, and forming/activating
• Managing supply and executing quality control for lithium metal (anode component of SOLiTHOR batteries)
• Conducting various routine characterisations for quality control purposes to support R&D activities & cell production such as viscosity of electrolyte solutions, weighing & SEM imaging of components, water content, thermo-gravimetric analysis, cathode conductivity measurements, etc
• QC reporting and communicating effectively with the different teams on results and/or issues
• Overseeing stock and ordering of lab consumables
• Supervising small lab equipment such as ovens, fume hoods, vacuum pumps, glovebox, mixers
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment adhering to all Health, Safety and Environment guidelines

Personality

We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual with a hands-on approach to work - a creative problem solver who is motivated and passionate about the profession, and is keen to work in a start-up environment. The successful candidate will have a strong attention to detail, a safety-focused mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, electrochemistry, physics, biomedical lab technology or similar qualification
• Entry level position
• Hands-on experience with chemical lab equipment
• Experience on pilot/industrial equipment and battery assembly would be advantageous
• Capable of executing experimental plans in a chemical lab in accordance with the health and safety rules
• Good chemical and technical troubleshooting skills   
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch is useful 

The opportunity

We offer you the opportunity to develop the next generation solid-state lithium batteries in a challenging environment. In doing so, you will take on an important role within our talented, passionate and multicultural team. You will have the opportunity to help build a company that will have a major global social impact.

SOLiTHOR not only offers you access to top-class equipment and laboratory facilities, but also a competitive salary package with the following benefits:

• Contract of indeterminate duration (40h/week, 12 additional holidays)
• Meal vouchers worth €8/working day
• Hospitalisation insurance
• Group insurance
• Home office compensation

Location

You will be based in Sint-Truiden, surrounded by like-minded, inspiring people.