Senior Research Scientist in Blackburn

Energy storage is the most exciting area in energy today. Massive amounts of energy storage are required if renewable energy is to take its rightful place on the electric grid. Invinity provides an alternative to the most common type of battery, lithium‑ion because the battery technology that works so well in our pockets doesn’t work as well at the grid scale; it wears out, limits use, and even catches fire. Manufactured as a standardised product in a factory, Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries don’t degrade, won’t catch fire, and can be operated continuously from full charge to full discharge for 25 years. Invinity has 75 megawatt‑hours of its modular battery systems in 82 projects across 15 countries – more than any other company in the space. We’ve deployed the largest flow battery systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K., and are supported by the U.K.’s National Wealth Fund, some of the world’s leading institutional investors and our projects are backed by major institutions including the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.K. Government. A compelling product and recent funding put Invinity in a position to grow dramatically as it addresses the global imperative for stationary energy storage. Join us as we help transform renewable energy into a stable and dependable contributor to the transition to net zero.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist to join our Technology Group, working from the company’s site in Bathgate, U.K. Reporting to the Manager of Materials R&D, the ideal candidate will be highly motivated, with exceptional problem‑solving and communication skills. You will be joining a team of talented scientists and engineers, split across sites in Bathgate and Vancouver, BC. You will have opportunities to work directly with internal & external scientific partners, and with materials suppliers. The role will be primarily lab‑based, and you will lead and manage R&D programmes to characterise new redox flow‑battery materials, develop new test equipment and methods, and establish and grow new collaborative research efforts. You will also provide support and guide the research to junior members of the technology group, and provide technical guidance to other teams within the company. The role is highly diverse, encompasses many different types of R&D projects, and will provide fresh challenges and learning opportunities every day.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead electrochemical R&D projects to explore next‑generation materials and flow‑battery designs.
• Design and plan experiments within our wider research programmes.
• Conduct electrochemical, wet chemical, and physical analyses of materials and devices.
• Analyse and report experimental results, concisely, and promptly.
• Help manage day‑to‑day operation of an electrochemical R&D laboratory.
• Ensure H&S policies are adhered to, including COSHH compliance and risk assessments.
• Monitor and optimise existing infrastructure and experiments and mentor junior laboratory members.
• Identify & investigate new materials.
• Establish & maintain relationships with suppliers and research groups.
• Carry out experimental work to characterise materials and collaborate with Supply‑Chain Team as required.
• Develop new test methods and equipment and drive continuous improvement of existing processes and SOPs.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field, and of new techniques.
• Identify solutions to technical problems & challenges on both a lab and production scale.
• Provide technical support to wider teams within Invinity.
• Assist in troubleshooting production and field issues and advise on technical queries.

Requirements

• Ph.D in electrochemistry or related physical science.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in lab management and the mentoring/guiding of junior scientists.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated post‑degree industrial experience within an R&D environment, with a strong focus on battery technology.
• Highly motivated team player, with interest and ability to thrive in a technology start‑up environment.
• Experience and respect for safety in a chemical laboratory/production environment.
• Effective time manager, able to balance multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional organisational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to take initiative to pro‑actively develop and lead projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex technology issues to a variety of audiences in a clear, concise manner.
• Specific experience in materials R&D relating to flow batteries is considered highly advantageous.

Eligibility

• UK resident with full eligibility to work within the UK without additional sponsorship.

If you are great at what you do, willing to engage with our collaborative culture, and motivated by making a difference in the world, consider joining us. Invinity Energy Systems is small enough that every team member plays a critical role in our daily business, but large enough to participate in landmark clean energy projects around the world. At Invinity, we are actively focused on increasing the representation of women across all levels of our organisation, particularly within our engineering, manufacturing and technical teams. We believe that diverse perspectives drive better innovation, and we are committed to providing a working environment where women can thrive, lead, and progress their careers in STEM. We support this through inclusive hiring practices, equal pay for equal work, flexible working options, leadership development and continuous review of our policies to ensure they meet the needs of all genders and life stages. Our culture is one of respect, inclusion, and empowerment — where every individual can contribute fully and confidently to a sustainable energy future.