Researcher & Modeling Scientist in Cambridge

TaiSan is developing next-generation polymer electrolyte to enable Sodium Batteries 2.0 — higher energy density, safer and scalable. We are looking to recruit a Researcher & Modeling Scientist to accelerate our R&D roadmap across Gen 1–3 systems through advanced research synthesis, computational modeling, and cross‑functional innovation strategy. In this role, you will bridge scientific literature, computational modeling, and real‑world battery validation to guide electrolyte and cell innovation. You will work directly with the CEO and Technical Director to evaluate next‑generation materials, model new recipes, and ensure proposals are technically sound, cost‑aware, sustainable, and implementation‑ready. Your work will directly impact TaiSan’s technology roadmap and speed of development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation Strategy
  • Continuously review and analyze 10–20 scientific papers per week across polymers, electrolytes, anodes, cathodes, degradation, and manufacturing.
  • Maintain structured, categorized literature databases (electrolyte, electrodes, polymers, interfaces, etc.).
  • Conduct weekly technical brainstorming sessions with the CEO and Technical Director.
  • Propose improvements to current Gen 1–3 systems based on scientific evidence.
  • Evaluate next-generation cell concepts and identify feasible implementation pathways.
  • Assess every innovation proposal through the lens of cost, sustainability, manufacturability, and timeline.
  • Prepare structured innovation proposals and present them to the wider team when aligned.
  • Separate innovation opportunities by component (electrolyte, electrodes, interfaces, manufacturing).
  • Prepare technical documentation and structured input for patent filings.
• Modeling & Simulation
  • Conduct Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations.
  • Work closely with simulation tools and partners.
  • Develop and manage timelines for modeling activities aligned with R&D priorities.
  • Model new material recipes and systems for Gen 1–3 development roadmap.
  • Ensure simulation inputs reflect real lab conditions and validated parameters.
  • When data is unavailable internally, derive parameter ranges from literature and clearly communicate uncertainty.
  • Communicate modeling inputs and outputs clearly to the wider technical team.
  • Analyze experimental data using OriginLab (or equivalent) with rigorous documentation.
  • Support AI-driven material screening initiatives and polymer design strategies.
• R&D Acceleration Focus Areas
  • Energy density optimization
  • Degradation and lifetime modeling
  • Battery mass production modeling considerations
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analytics
  • AI-based material screening and polymer discovery
  • Translating modeling insights into experimentally testable hypotheses
• Presentations & Communication
  • Prepare internal technical slides for brainstorming and decision‑making.
  • Contribute to investor‑facing technical materials.
  • Clearly communicate assumptions, modeling ranges, and uncertainties.
  • Maintain highly structured and accurate documentation.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ published peer‑reviewed research papers.
• Strong experience with DFT and Molecular Dynamics simulations.
• Experience using modeling tools such as COMSOL and materials simulation platforms.
• Strong analytical rigor and ability to validate models against experimental data.
• Excellent communication skills — both written and verbal.
• Extremely high attention to accuracy and structured documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in battery materials modeling (electrolytes, interphases, degradation).
• Experience in polymer chemistry or polymer electrolyte systems.
• Exposure to AI-based materials discovery.
• Familiarity with LCA and sustainability modeling.
• Experience contributing to patent applications.
• Comfortable working in an early‑stage, high‑ownership deep‑tech startup environment.

Who You Are

You are an independent, rigorous scientist who takes full ownership of your analytical work from experimental design to final reporting. You are comfortable operating autonomously and building structure where it does not yet exist. You do not wait for detailed instructions. You identify gaps, define testing standards, and proactively improve analytical workflows. You think critically about reproducibility, scalability, and long‑term product impact. You understand that data quality directly influences material decisions and manufacturing readiness. You are disciplined in documentation, precise in execution, and uncompromising in safety standards. You thrive in a fast‑moving environment where your work directly shapes material development and commercialization strategy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity compensation commensurate with experience.
• Inclusive and mission‑driven work environment.
• 20 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential counselling and personal support services.
• Access to an online wellbeing tool for fast, confidential wellbeing guidance.
• Bright Exchange employee benefits platform providing discounts and exclusive offers across a wide range of products and services.
• Support with visa activities.