Senior Research Development Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

Who we are…

Agratas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons. We will design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable batteries for the mobility and energy sectors. We are a scale-up business with a start-up mentality and the backing of a well-established parent company. We have a state of the art R&D facility in Oxfordshire and are currently looking to complement our highly skilled team with the brightest minds from within the battery sector.

We are looking for scientists with expertise in battery material development, who are driven to innovate in next-gen technologies and align with supply chain requirements to bring advanced Li-ion batteries to market. This role is well-suited for a scientist with a degree or PhD in electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.

The Opportunity

The Senior Scientist will lead research and development on battery materials for Li-ion batteries, driving material innovation, validation, and scalability for next-gen technologies. This role is essential for advancing high-performance, state-of-the-art battery materials, with an emphasis on deep multi-scale understanding of materials structure.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Active Material R&D: Conduct cutting-edge research to develop and optimise battery active materials, focusing on high energy density, cycle stability, and safety for Li-ion cells. Establish advanced analytical methods to build a comprehensive multi-scale understanding of battery materials and the structure/properties relationship.
• Material Validation & Testing: Perform rigorous electrochemical and physical testing of new battery materials to validate performance and compatibility within cell.
• Supply Chain Integration: Collaborate with supply chain and sourcing teams to evaluate raw material quality and ensure materials meet performance specifications and sustainability standards.
• Next-Gen Innovation: Drive innovation in novel battery chemistries and cell designs, such as high-nickel or cobalt-free CAM, beyond Li-ion, solid-state, etc.
• Data Analysis & Optimisation: Analyse test data to identify performance trends and make adjustments to formulations or synthesis methods to enhance cell performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with materials science, electrolyte, and cell design teams to integrate cathode advancements into full cell prototypes.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of research processes, material validations, and test results, providing insights to R&D leadership and project stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Battery Materials Expertise: Deep understanding of cathode and anode materials, including NMC, NCA, and next-gen chemistries, with experience in synthesis and electrochemical behaviour.
• Materials Validation & Testing Proficiency: Skilled in validating material properties using electrochemical (e.g., cycling, EIS) and structural analysis techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM).
• Supply Chain Awareness: Familiarity with supply chain requirements, raw material sourcing, and sustainable material considerations for battery production.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyse test data, troubleshoot issues, and optimise cathode material formulations for enhanced cell performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams and effective communication for reporting findings and technical challenges.
• Continuous Learning: Strong commitment to staying updated on advancements in materials and the broader Li-ion battery field.

What you’ll get…

As a new company, our reward scheme is constantly evolving. We continue to review the market to deliver a competitive benefits package, which currently includes private healthcare, car allowance, company bonus, enhanced parental leave policy and a cash allowance to boost your benefits. We are a flexible business that is committed to promoting work-life balance, partnering with Yulife to provide our team members with total wellbeing support.

You’ll work in a rapidly scaling-up environment as a subsidiary of the multinational corporation, Tata Sons, to help build the UK’s biggest battery manufacturing facility and make your mark in a new organisation.

Agratas is a place to be authentically you.

At Agratas we strongly believe that people are at their best when they feel supported and happy in their workplace. To that end we continue to cultivate a diverse workforce which protects the individuality of each team member. We therefore warmly welcome applicants from any background, ethnicity, sexuality, and ability. Should you have a preference in how your suitability is assessed for this role or require any reasonable adjustments please let the Talent Acquisition team know.