Exide Energy Solutions Ltd
Location
Bangalore | India
Job description
Head Scientist – Cell material development
Job Description : Primary job responsibility is to test, formulate, design & develop materials for battery cell for lithium-ion battery.
The cell material development scientist will be a key team member in an aggressive product design, development, and analysis effort to produce and commercialize next-generation electrode materials, cell design and analysis techniques. The candidate is expected to have a deep theoretical and practical expertise in a variety of potential cell chemistries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), graphite anodes, silicon anodes, inorganic-solid-state electrolytes, and other materials. Duties include test and select materials for ongoing and new cell programs, to innovate and do new R&D on materials and show the running prototypes in the form on coin and small single/double layer coated pouch cells. Formulation development for the cathode, anode slurry and electrolyte will also be a very important part of the job. The scientist will contribute directly to innovation and leading-edge technology, leading a highly technical team who are partnering with emerging companies, organizations, and universities dedicated to battery cell materials. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate competency in the chemistry laboratory hands on working, including basic synthesis of materials, analytical testing and experimental skills and cell characterization methods. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to be able to connect application requirements with material characteristics. The candidate will be expected to have a strong quantitative background, ideally with a demonstrated history of material selection. Specific experience in development of lithium-ion anodes, cathodes, and electrolyte materials is required.
The preferred candidate will have an PhD, a strong background in industry with exposure to large scale manufacturing methods, a history of innovation in applied material research, and experience in the commercial applications of materials technology.
Responsibilities
• Overall responsibility for setting the technical direction for a research and development program for the design, development, and usage of new/alternate materials in present/new lithium-ion battery cells.
• Synthesis and scale-up of solid-state compounds of known process chemistry/licensed IP • Experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA, FTIR, EIS, etc. Experience with glovebox use, air-sensitive materials desirable.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on lithium-ion cathode active material chemistry for lithium battery.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on lithium-ion anode active material chemistry for lithium battery.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on carbon-silicon composite for lithium battery.
• Preparation and scale-up of various electrolyte formulations of known process chemistry/licensed IP
• Plan and execute a R&D program on electrolytes for Indian climatic conditions for lithium battery.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on additive scouting and synthesis for electrolytes for lithium battery.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on separators and different kind of coating on them.
• Plan and execute a R&D program on the structural parts of the battery cell.
• Lead the fabrication of battery cells (coin & single/double layer pouch), incorporating knowledge of battery materials and their components and how they work together.
• Set up new equipment for electrical testing of cells and guide the setup of new test protocols for cell performance testing.
• Drive statistical thinking in the team around cell fabrication and battery testing through the use of a Design Of Experiments (DOE) methodology and rigorous hypothesis testing
• Guide the analytical testing and failure analysis of cells with special emphasis on the electrochemical testing and correlation of design changes in cell components to their performance, thereby extracting valuable insight to accelerate product development.
• Design studies aimed at improving the fundamental understanding of new lithium-ion battery technologies.
• Set intellectual property (IP) strategy; collaborating with scientists and IP counsel to understand the IP landscape and guide new filings to create a sustained competitive advantage.
Essential attributes
The position requires a self-starting, highly organized individual capable of identifying opportunities and following through on project goals. Excellent hands-on laboratory skills, analytical skills, data analysis and statistical interpretation.
• Proven track record of technical leadership in the research, development and commercialization of battery materials and experience in the design, assembly, and electrical testing of battery cells
• Should be a hand on expert with solid state synthesis, wet chemical synthesis of inorganic compounds, primary knowledge of composite making and formulation of electrolyte.
• Should be a hand on expert in analytical and characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA, FTIR, EIS, etc. Experience with glovebox use, air-sensitive materials desirable.
• Experience of doing a/c transport measurements on liquids and solids would be very useful.
• Should have worked on Li-cell (at least coin cell/single layer pouch cell) making in a glove box/dry room.
• Structured problem-solving and analytical skills and strong technical skills in areas including electrochemistry and/or nanomaterial synthesis.
• Excellent work ethic and ability to quickly demonstrate independence.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly evolving research and development needs.
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented mindset with an eye toward practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• The candidate must be responsible and self-motivated, with a history of stable employment and performance.
Education requirements
• Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry/ Solid State Chemistry/Chemistry of Materials
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant/similar industrial experience after PhD degree
Preferred Skills
• Should be extensive reader of literature and be able to articulate the new trends in the relevant fields.
• Should be able to balance scientific and business deliverable for a project.
• Should have handled team of 2-3 scientist/technical specialist and able to manage the laboratory needs.
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