Agratas | Cathode Principal Scientist – Li-ion Battery Cell

Cathode Principal Scientist – Li-ion Battery Cell (Applied Research)

Oxford

What you’ll do…

You will lead advanced research and strategic development of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, driving innovation and validation of state-of-the-art and next-generation technologies. This senior role involves not only developing high-performance materials but also establishing strategic partnerships with suppliers, guiding cross-functional R&D efforts, and supporting scalability for large-scale production.

• Lead the development and optimization of cutting-edge cathode materials (e.g., high-nickel, cobalt-free chemistries) to achieve high energy density, longevity, and safety in Li-ion cells.
• Oversee complex electrochemical and physical validation processes for new cathode materials, ensuring reliability and compatibility with other cell components.
• Collaborate closely with supply chain teams to secure high-quality materials, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure alignment with sustainability and scalability requirements for mass production.
• Spearhead innovation in next-gen cathode materials to maintain competitive positioning and anticipate industry trends, with a focus on balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the R&D team, working collaboratively with materials, cell design, and process engineering teams to integrate cathode advancements into product development.
• Leverage advanced data analysis to refine formulations, synthesis techniques, and processing methods, driving improvements in cell efficiency and durability.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of development milestones, validation data, and strategic insights, providing regular updates to senior R&D leadership.

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.

What you’ll bring…

• Extensive knowledge of cathode materials (e.g., NMC, NCA, high-energy nickel chemistries), with a strong background in material synthesis, processing, and electrochemical performance.
• Proficiency in complex material validation methods (e.g., SEM, XRD, EIS), with experience interpreting data to inform cathode design and enhance cell performance.
• Strong ability to collaborate with supply chain teams, manage supplier relationships, and align material quality and sustainability with large-scale production goals.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation in next-gen cathode chemistries, with a focus on performance, cost-effectiveness, and industry readiness.
• Excellent leadership skills for managing R&D projects, mentoring junior scientists, and working cross-functionally to integrate material advancements.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate and troubleshoot complex material and electrochemical challenges, with the agility to adapt solutions for performance enhancement.
• Commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends, materials research, and technological advances in Li-ion cathode development.

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.