Research Scientist

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T); Hazira; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) is seeking a Research Scientist for its Catalyst & Coating Development Team focused on next-generation alkaline water electrolysers. The role involves development, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts and electrode coatings for hydrogen production.

The candidate will conduct electrochemical evaluation using CV, LSV, EIS, CP, CA, and polarization measurements, and will lead long-term durability studies in three-electrode cells and

Qualifications

• Electrochemistry
• Catalyst testing
• Tafel analysis
• EIS/impedance evaluation
• Durability testing
• Single-cell electrolyser operation

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize catalyst compositions for HER and OER in alkaline electrolysers.
• Design and evaluate Ni-based, Ni-Mo, Ni-Fe, Raney-type catalysts and coatings.
• Support electrode coating development via electroplating and thermal spraying.
• Correlate catalyst structure with electrochemical performance.
• Conduct CV, LSV, EIS, CP and CA measurements; determine ECSA and exchange current density.
• Develop accelerated degradation tests and long-term durability protocols.
• Perform data analysis, reporting, and IP-related documentation.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our Catalyst & Coating Development Team focused on next-generation alkaline water electrolysers. The role involves the development, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts and electrode coatings for hydrogen production.

The candidate will be responsible for electrochemical evaluation of catalyst performance using techniques such as ECSA determination, Tafel analysis, exchange current density calculations, EIS, CV, LSV, and durability testing. The role also includes developing and executing accelerated stress tests and long-term durability protocols in both three-electrode laboratory systems and single-cell electrolyser platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Catalyst Development & Characterization

• Develop and optimize catalyst compositions for HER and OER applications in alkaline electrolysers.
• Design and evaluate Ni-based, Ni-Mo, Ni-Fe, Raney-type, and other advanced catalyst systems.
• Support electrode coating development through electroplating, thermal spraying, and related processes.
• Correlate catalyst composition, morphology, and microstructure with electrochemical performance.

Electrochemical Evaluation

Conduct electrochemical characterization using:

• Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
• Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV)
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
• Chronopotentiometry (CP)
• Chronoamperometry (CA)
• Polarization Measurements

Determine

• Electrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA)
• Exchange Current Density (j?)
• Charge Transfer Resistance
• Overpotential and Kinetic Parameters

Analyze reaction kinetics and performance degradation mechanisms.

Durability & Reliability Testing

• Develop accelerated degradation and durability test protocols for alkaline electrolyser electrodes.

Design and execute long-term stability studies in:

• Three-electrode electrochemical cells
• Corrosion
• Catalyst dissolution/leaching
• Impurity-induced degradation

• Establish qualification criteria and benchmarking methodologies for new catalyst systems.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Interpret electrochemical data and generate technical reports.
• Perform statistical and comparative analysis of catalyst performance.
• Present findings through internal reviews, technical reports, publications, and patents.
• Maintain comprehensive experimental documentation and databases.
• Work closely with materials, process, coating, and stack engineering teams.
• Interface with external laboratories, universities, research institutes, and suppliers.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation including invention disclosures and patent filings.
• Track emerging technologies and literature in electrolysis and electrocatalysis.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Related disciplines

Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant industrial or research experience in electrochemistry, catalysts, or electrolyser/fuel-cell technologies.
• Experience in catalyst performance evaluation and electrochemical testing.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with potentiostats/galvanostats and electrochemical workstations.
• Strong understanding of:
  • HER and OER kinetics
  • Tafel analysis
  • Exchange current density calculations
  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
  • Corrosion and degradation mechanisms
• Experience with alkaline electrolyser testing and single-cell operation is preferred.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as:
  • SEM/EDS
  • XRD
  • XPS
  • ICP-OES
  • Optical and Electron Microscopy

Preferred Skills

• Experience in catalyst coating technologies and electrode fabrication.
• Knowledge of accelerated stress testing (AST) and durability protocol development.
• Exposure to scale-up and technology commercialization.
• Experience in scientific publications and patent drafting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Development of high-performance catalyst and coating systems for alkaline electrolysers.
• Establishment of standardized performance evaluation methodologies.
• Development of durability and degradation testing protocols.
• Technical reports, publications, patents, and technology qualification packages.
• Support commercialization and scale-up activities of electrolyser technologies.