Agratas is on a mission to accelerate a cleaner, more sustainable future. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, we design, develop, and manufacture next‑generation lithium‑ion batteries for mobility and energy storage applications.
At our state‑of‑the‑art Cell R&D Facility in Oxfordshire, we’re building something extraordinary. Now, we’re looking for a Principal Scientist – Characterisation to join our Advanced Materials Characterisation Team as a technical expert in materials behaviour, diagnostics, and in‑situ/operando analysis.
This is a senior, high‑impact role where you’ll shape the tools, techniques, and insights that underpin our next‑generation battery technologies. If you want to work at the forefront of innovation with the resources of a global organisation and the agility of a start‑up, this is your moment.
Key Responsibility Areas
What You’ll Do
As a technical leader in the team, you will:
• Serve as the in‑house expert in spectroscopy, in‑situ electrochemical analysis, and battery interphase behaviour, including next‑generation lithium‑ion materials.
• Lead the design, development, and delivery of in‑situ and operando analytical capabilities across the R&D function.
• Develop methods to analyse electrode interphases, gassing behaviour, and materials changes during formation and cycling using FT‑IR, Raman, GC‑MS, SEM, DEMS and more.
• Stay ahead of emerging diagnostic technologies and critically assess their relevance and value to Agratas.
• Build and expand strategic partnerships to access advanced testing methodologies and novel characterisation tools.
• Translate business needs into technical strategies, including business cases for new equipment and collaborations.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with scientists, electrochemical engineers, and programme teams across the Cell R&D portfolio.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of scientists and technicians.
• Produce high‑quality technical reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
Job Context
What You Bring
• 3–5 years of experience in battery R&D, manufacturing, or EV OEMs or equivalent experience in an industry‑focused academic environment.
• Proven leadership in a battery materials characterisation laboratory, including strategic R&D contributions and troubleshooting.
• Deep expertise across a broad range of characterisation techniques applied to active materials, electrodes, electrolytes, and Li‑ion cell chemistry challenges.
• A data‑driven mindset, ideally with experience in LIMS, ELNs, or other R&D data management systems.
Ideal Background
• PhD or Master’s in Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or related field.
• Experience managing technical teams in a fast‑paced industrial R&D environment.
• Prior experience with leading battery developers or manufacturers.
Why Agratas?
Working at Agratas means shaping the future of energy storage from the inside. Here’s what sets us apart:
Impact That Matters
Your work will directly influence the next generation of battery technology—technology that will power cleaner transport, greener energy systems, and a more sustainable world.
A Unique Blend of Start‑Up Energy and Global Strength
We combine the agility, pace, and innovation culture of a start‑up with the stability, backing, and long‑term vision of Tata Sons.
For more information and to apply visit https://careers.agratas.com/job/Oxford-Principal-Characterisation-Scientist-OX14-4SE/3896780/
