Scientist

Agratas – A Tata Enterprise; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Agratas – A Tata Enterprise in Oxford, UK, seeks an Electrochemist/Scientist to advance fundamental Li-ion battery cell research. You will design electrochemical studies, analyse data, and collaborate with materials scientists to improve cell performance, durability, and safety.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, formation protocols, and translating scientific insights into next-generation cell technologies within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Strong background in electrochemistry and electrochemical characterisation.
• Hands-on experience with Li-ion battery cells and related materials.
• Expertise in EIS, CV, GITT, PITT, and battery cycling.
• Understanding of battery degradation mechanisms and electrode processes.
• Experience analysing electrochemical data to support decisions.
• Knowledge of battery materials and their impact on performance.
• Strong problem‑solving and collaborative skills.
• Attention to detail and data quality.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute electrochemical investigations to support development of advanced battery materials and next-generation cell technologies.
• Conduct fundamental and applied electrochemical research to improve cell performance, efficiency, cycle life, and safety.
• Investigate electrochemical mechanisms and material interactions within Li-ion cells and emerging technologies.
• Develop and optimise formation protocols for prototype cell chemistries and innovative testing methodologies.
• Perform advanced electrochemical characterisation (EIS, CV, GITT, PITT, cycling) and analyse data.
• Collaborate with materials scientists, cell design engineers, and battery researchers to translate insights into improved designs.
• Document experimental findings, prepare technical reports, and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Monitor industry developments and bring new ideas into research programmes.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Li-ion batteries

EIS

CV

GITT

PITT

Data analysis

Scientific collaboration

Battery cycling

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Electrochemistry

MSc in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

Job description

Purpose of the Role

Electrochemist/Scientist - Li-ion Battery Cell (Fundamental Research)

Location: Oxford, UK

Function: Cell Technology | Fundamental Research

Reporting to: Principal Scientist (UK) - Cell Technology / Fundamental Research

Shape the Future of Battery Innovation

At Agratas, we are accelerating the development of next-generation battery technologies that will power a more sustainable future. As an Electrochemist within our Fundamental Research team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and performance of Li-ion battery cells through cutting-edge electrochemical research.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of battery science, collaborating with world-class researchers, materials scientists, and cell engineers to unlock breakthroughs in cell performance, durability, safety, and energy density.

If you are passionate about electrochemistry, thrive on scientific discovery, and are motivated by solving complex energy storage challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibility Areas

What You'll Do

As an Electrochemist, you will be responsible for designing and executing electrochemical investigations that support the development of advanced battery materials and next-generation cell technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied electrochemical research to improve cell performance, efficiency, cycle life, and safety.
• Investigate electrochemical mechanisms and material interactions within Li-ion cells and emerging battery technologies.
• Develop and optimise formation protocols for prototype cell chemistries and innovative cell testing methodologies.
• Perform advanced electrochemical characterisation, including:
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
  • Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
  • Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT)
  • Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (PITT)
  • Charge/discharge cycling and performance evaluation
• Analyse complex electrochemical datasets to identify degradation mechanisms, performance trends, and opportunities for optimisation.
• Collaborate closely with materials scientists, cell design engineers, and battery researchers to translate scientific insight into improved cell designs.
• Document experimental findings, prepare technical reports, and communicate results to internal stakeholders and project teams.
• Monitor industry developments, emerging technologies, and scientific literature to bring new ideas and innovation into research programmes.

Job Context

What We're Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background in electrochemistry and electrochemical characterisation.
• Hands-on experience working with Li-ion battery cells, materials, or electrochemical systems.
• Expertise in electrochemical testing techniques such as EIS, CV, GITT, PITT, and battery cycling.
• Sound understanding of battery degradation mechanisms, electrode processes, and cell behaviour.
• Experience analysing and interpreting electrochemical data to support scientific decision-making.
• Knowledge of battery materials, including electrode and electrolyte chemistries, and their influence on cell performance.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working within multidisciplinary R&D environments.
• High attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigour, data quality, and documentation.

Desirable Experience

• Research experience in next-generation or non-conventional battery chemistries.
• Experience supporting technology scale-up from laboratory research into prototype development.
• Publications, patents, or recognised contributions within battery research or electrochemistry.
• Familiarity with advanced materials characterisation techniques and battery modelling approaches.

Qualifications

• Degree, MSc, or PhD in:
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Or a closely related scientific discipline

A PhD and/or industrial research experience in battery technology would be advantageous but is not essential for exceptional candidates with relevant expertise.

Leadership Expectations

• Initiative and ownership
• Curiosity and a passion for discovery
• Technical leadership and scientific influence
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving
• The ability to contribute to research direction and innovation strategy

Why Join Agratas?

At Agratas, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the future of electrification through pioneering battery research. You'll work alongside leading experts in the field, access state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute directly to technologies that will have a global impact across sustainable energy and mobility sectors.

Join us and be part of a team delivering the scientific breakthroughs that will define the next generation of battery technology.