Research Associate

Who We Are

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Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.

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Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lowercarbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.

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What You’ll Do

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As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in supporting experimental development and day-to-day lab operations for our electrochemical systems. You will contribute to generating high-quality data, maintaining reliable test infrastructure, and ensuring safe and efficient lab execution.

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This role is highly hands-on and ideal for someone who is comfortable working with chemical systems, operating lab equipment, conducting experiments, and supporting iterative R&D in a fast-paced environment. You will collaborate closely with the R&D and systems engineering teams, contributing to experimental campaigns, materials testing, and continuous improvement of our processes and lab capabilities.

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Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain electrochemical cells and test stations
• Collaborate with Engineers to design and execute experimental protocols in support of R&D initiatives
• Perform materials compatibility tests
• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including ion chromatography (IC)
• Prepare chemical solutions and safely handle reagents (including strong acids and strong bases)
• Maintain lab infrastructure, including equipment upkeep and organization
• Support lab safety programs, including adherence to chemical hygiene and safety standards
• Manage chemical and lab inventory, ensuring availability of materials and proper storage
• Coordinate and support waste management processes in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations clearly and consistently

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic, internship, or industry), including working with chemicals, analytical equipment, data analysis, and standard lab practices
• Experience handling chemicals safely, including acids/bases and adherence to chemical hygiene protocols
• Familiarity with electrochemical testing or related experimental systems
• Experience operating laboratory instrumentation and maintaining experimental setups
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and execute experimental protocols reliably
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Experience with electrochemical systems or technologies (e.g., batteries, electrolysis, corrosion, water treatment) strongly preferred

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Compensation & Benefits 

• $95,000 - $115,000 salary range, plus equity, commensurate with experience
• Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
• 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
• Flexible paid time off for wellness, vacation, and rest, plus 8 paid holidays per year
• Two weeks off in late December for an annual Winter Break
• 80 / 20 in office work environment, with up to one full remote day weekly 
• Monthly team builds and an annual offsite retreat

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Why Join Aepnus?

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Aepnus brings together driven, curious individuals committed to rethinking how essential industrial chemicals are made. You will have the opportunity to work closely with company leadership to advance breakthrough technologies from development to market, while growing your role and influence as the company scales. The environment is dynamic and hands-on, offering constant opportunities to learn, lead, and make a real difference. Our culture is built around collaboration, ambition, and a shared belief that deep technical innovation can create meaningful change.

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Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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