Location: Bengaluru, India
Experience: Minimum 5 years
Industry: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Fast Charging, Energy Storage
Employment Type: Full Time
About the Role:
We are looking for a Materials Scientist (Battery Chemistry Expert) to lead research on lithium degradation, SEI layer formation, and electrode material aging in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries (both cylindrical and prismatic). The role involves analyzing the impact of 4C fast charging on battery materials, studying failure mechanisms, and developing strategies to improve battery life and performance.
You will work closely with electrochemists, battery engineers, and data scientists to understand material-level degradation, optimize fast charging protocols, and enhance cell reliability for real-world applications.
Key Responsibities:
Material Characterization & Degradation Analysis
- Investigate SEI layer formation, lithium plating, and cathode/anode degradation under 4C fast charging.
- Analyze electrode morphology, material aging, and electrolyte decomposition over charge-discharge cycles.
- Use Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman Spectroscopy to study microstructural changes.
- Characterize ionic/electronic conductivity, surface chemistry, and phase transitions in LFP battery materials.
Battery Performance Optimization
- Study the effects of fast charging on active materials, binders, and electrolytes.
- Develop new electrode coatings, electrolyte additives, or separator materials to mitigate lithium plating and enhance cycle life.
- Optimize electrode porosity, particle size distribution, and formulation to balance fast charging and degradation.
- Work with BMS teams to implement material-level insights into real-time battery monitoring and protection algorithms.
Failure Analysis & Post-Mortem Studies
- Conduct post-mortem cell teardowns to examine degradation pathways and failure mechanisms.
- Identify causes of capacity fade, impedance growth, and dendrite formation in cylindrical and prismatic LFP cells.
- Provide recommendations for battery design improvements to enhance fast-charging performance and safety.
Data Analysis & Modeling
- Interpret Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) data to correlate material properties with performance loss.
- Collaborate with AI and data science teams to develop predictive models for battery aging and failure modes.
- Work on machine learning-driven material optimization for improved longevity and energy density.
Collaboration & Reporting
- Work with battery engineers to translate material findings into improved battery pack design and thermal management strategies.
- Collaborate with electrochemical researchers on cell-level and pack-level degradation analysis.
- Document research findings in internal reports, whitepapers, and industry publications.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Education
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
Technical Skills
- Expertise in battery material characterization (SEM, XRD, Raman, FTIR, TEM, TGA, DSC).
- Strong knowledge of LFP chemistry, electrode design, and electrolyte stability.
- Hands-on experience with cylindrical and prismatic LFP cells.
- Understanding of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, lithium diffusion, and dendrite growth.
- Familiarity with coin cell fabrication, electrode coating, and slurry preparation.
- Knowledge of EIS, CV, and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques for battery testing.
- Experience with battery aging models and machine learning-based material analysis (preferred but not mandatory).
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail for material analysis and lab work.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional team (scientists, engineers, data analysts).
- Excellent documentation and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in battery materials research or related fields.
- Experience working with high-C-rate lithium-ion battery applications (EVs, energy storage).
- Background in industrial battery manufacturing or lab-scale material development is a plus.
Why Join Us?
- Work on cutting-edge fast-charging battery technology.
- Collaborate with experts in EV charging, BMS, and energy storage.
- Lead innovative material research with real-world applications.
- Competitive salary and opportunities for career growth.
