Scientist - Ink Specialist

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Scientist to join LiNa Energy,

a disruptive clean-tech battery technology company,

whose ambition is to significantly contribute to achieving global net-zero targets

LiNa Energy is based in Lancaster and is developing a novel batteries to transform energy-storage solutions. As a Senior Scientist, you will directly contribute to the development and optimisation of LiNa’s solid-state sodium battery cells, with a specific focus on screen-printing techniques and optimisation of ink composition and rheology.

This role is full-time and is based at our science facility in the centre of Lancaster.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the research and development of novel ceramic inks and prints used in LiNa’s cells – with a focus on achieving consistency and quality targets and product delivery schedule
• Working individually and in collaboration with LiNa’s R&D team, you will develop key cell components from first principles while feeding back on the processes that contribute to your line
• Use feedback from assembly and electrochemical testing to investigate future materials and print techniques that may be applied to LiNa’s cell to improve quality and consistency
• Plan work packages to meet sprint goals, working with the Group Lead. Contribute to and lead internal team meetings and project updates
• Develop and maintain documentation including for design specifications, test plans, and user manuals such as SOP’s
• Champion and adhere to project schedules and milestones, ensuring timely delivery of project deliverables and technological milestones
• Maintain an awareness of literature, ideate on new potential routes, and propose technical advances
• Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to source components or materials, tools, or services required for cell research and development

Essential Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of experience working in battery or fuel-cell manufacturing
• Specific experience printing ink layers for use in batteries or SOCs
• Specific experience in the development of inks and testing of ink qualities by means of particle size analysis and/or rheological measurements, as well as other quality control techniques
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a closely related field
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and departments, with focus on commercialisation and on novel research and development.
• Experience working within a laboratory and operating within a cleanroom environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience Preferred (but not essential)

• Experience in process optimisation, design of experiments, and presentation of multivariate analysis to wider teams to ensure good communication
• Technical curiosity for continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience working within agile project management methodologies

About the employer

• LiNa Energy is commercialising a safe, high-performance, low-cost, solid-state sodium battery technology for stationary storage and transport applications. We work at the cutting-edge of alternative battery technology.
• At LiNa, we strive to create a healthy work environment by placing strong emphasis on teamwork, openness, and communication between all areas of the business. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the technical team and drive LiNa’s cutting edge, disruptive battery technology to full commercialisation.
• LiNa is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Additional Information

• Applicants must have right to remain and work in the UK
• Salary range: LiNa Energy will offer the successful candidate a competitive package that includes pension contributions, private life and medical cover, EMI share options
• Job type: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time
• Location: Based at our Head Office in Lancaster