Electrolyte and Separator Scientist - Li-ion Battery Cell (Applied Research)

Electrolyte and Separator Scientist – Li-ion Battery Cell (Applied Research)

Oxford

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. The UK business headquarters is in the Midlands and we are currently building a battery manufacturing facility in Bridgwater, Somerset and looking to compliment, scale and grow our R&D facility in Abingdon with the brightest minds from within the battery sector.

What you’ll do…

We are looking for someone who has had experience in formulating liquid electrolytes, qualifying commercially existing grades, with a focus on studying the impact of formulation on battery KPI's.

You will lead research and development on electrolyte formulations and separator materials for Li-ion batteries, focusing on next-generation, high-performance technologies. This role is pivotal in advancing materials that enhance battery safety, efficiency, and energy density, and involves collaborating closely with R&D teams to bring state-of-the-art and next-gen cell designs to life.

• Conduct in-depth R&D on electrolyte compositions and separator materials to improve ionic conductivity, stability, and compatibility, incorporating electrochemical principles for optimised performance.
• Develop and test advanced electrolyte and separator materials to support high energy density, fast-charging capabilities, and extended lifecycle needs for next-generation cells.
• Optimise electrolyte formulations for thermal stability, electrochemical performance, and compatibility with electrode materials, addressing challenges in ionic transport and interface stability.
• Perform electrochemical and thermal testing on materials, analyse data, and work with testing teams to validate new materials, adjusting formulations based on performance metrics.
• Collaborate with cell development, materials, and process engineering teams to integrate advanced materials into prototypes and align on performance goals.
• Maintain detailed records of development processes, test results, and optimisation strategies, regularly updating R&D leadership on progress.
• Stay informed on emerging electrochemical research, industry advancements, and competitive benchmarks to drive ongoing material innovation.

What you’ll bring…

• In-depth understanding of electrochemical principles, ionic conductivity, and interface chemistry as they relate to electrolyte and separator performance.
• Strong background in materials science, with expertise in synthesising, modifying, and testing electrolyte and separator materials.
• Ability to apply electrochemical and materials science knowledge to overcome material limitations and enhance battery performance.
• Proficiency in electrochemical techniques and thermal analysis, with the ability to interpret complex data to guide material development.
• Excellent teamwork skills to coordinate effectively across functions, paired with strong communication for presenting findings and collaborating on R&D initiatives.
• Commitment to staying current with advancements in electrochemistry, Li-ion battery materials, and next-gen technologies.

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 race, gender, 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.