About Roca:

Roca is a cutting-edge advanced materials startup developing a low-cost, sustainable electrochemical approach for wastewater remediation and resource recovery. Our solution applies innovations in conventional rechargeable batteries, using battery electrode operating principles to enable selective ion removal and recovery from water to directly produce a suite of valuable products. At the core of our technology lies an innovative electrode fabrication method developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that enables extreme chemical and physical durability with high ionic selectivity.

Water security is one of the most pressing issues today—a staggering 800 million people currently lack sufficient access to fresh water, and global water demand is expected to increase by 70% over the next 30 years. At the same time, anthropogenic activities have caused degradation of our natural freshwater resources. At Roca, we’re reimagining a future where essential chemical products are made directly from ions found in saline water sources, enabling simultaneous wastewater remediation and decreased freshwater use. We believe electrochemistry is the key to harnessing unconventional water sources to transform them into a resource that simultaneously produces valuable materials and increases water supply.

Based in Alameda CA, Roca has already secured funding from the Activate Fellowship and National Science Foundation. Our nascent team will focus on de-risking our foundational technology, laying the groundwork for future scale-up and pilot testing. This presents an unparalleled opportunity to join a high-impact startup from its inception—one with the potential to radically transform industries including wastewater treatment, water desalination, and chemical production.

Project Title – Electrode Fabrication Engineer

Project Description:  

Roca is seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our innovative team working on green chemistry upgrades for our electrode fabrication process. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in battery materials, polymer science, and sustainable chemistry practices, with a focus on developing eco-friendly electrode manufacturing techniques as an alternative to commonly used fluorocarbon binders. As part of this role, you will be responsible for conducting research including hands-on lab-scale testing, data analysis, and literature reviews. As a member of Roca’s small but growing team, you will be part of a collaborative team working towards the design and testing of our first prototype cells. Working closely with a materials scientist and an electrochemical engineer, this role will be hands-on, with a significant amount of your time spent in the laboratory. The ideal candidate will be independent, results-driven, ambitious, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with proven success in developing solutions to complex problems in electrode fabrication.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement green chemistry approaches for electrode fabrication
• Investigate sustainable alternatives to traditional binders and solvents
• Optimize electrode processing techniques to reduce environmental impact, including water impact
• Evaluate the performance and stability of electrodes produced using green chemistry methods
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate sustainable practices into existing manufacturing processes

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes required:

• Must have NSF Funding
• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of battery materials and electrode fabrication processes
• Expertise in polymer chemistry and its applications in energy storage
• Demonstrated experience in sustainable chemistry practices and green synthesis techniques
• Familiarity with life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact analysis
• Experience with characterization techniques relevant to battery materials and electrodes
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable electrode fabrication processes, combining cutting-edge battery technology with green chemistry principles in a dynamic startup environment.

Comments: 

Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who might not meet the exact requirements, but who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Roca does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.