Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrochemist

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a passionate innovator driven to solve the world's most pressing energy challenges? This role requires a highly skilled and motivated Electrochemist to join our pioneering Research & Development team. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of developing, testing, and optimizing next-generation energy storage technologies, from initial material discovery to full-cell prototyping. You will leverage your deep expertise in electrochemical principles, materials science, and analytical techniques to drive projects that will power a sustainable future. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative lab environment and are eager to translate scientific discovery into tangible, world-changing products, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Postdoctoral Researcher (Chemistry, Materials Science)
Research Scientist
Chemical Engineer / Process Engineer
Materials Scientist

Advancement To:

Senior Electrochemist / Principal Scientist
R&D Manager / Team Lead
Director of Battery Technology
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Lateral Moves:

Materials Scientist
Process Development Engineer
Technical Program Manager
Patent Scientist / IP Strategist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, execute, and meticulously document complex electrochemical experiments to characterize the performance, lifespan, and degradation mechanisms of battery cells and their core components.
Lead the hands-on fabrication and assembly of various cell formats, including coin cells, pouch cells, and cylindrical cells, ensuring high-quality construction and repeatable results for data analysis.
Employ a wide range of advanced electrochemical characterization techniques such as Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) to probe material properties and cell behavior.
Analyze and interpret large, complex datasets from electrochemical testing, utilizing statistical methods and data visualization tools to derive actionable insights and guide further research and development efforts.
Develop and validate novel test protocols and methodologies to evaluate emerging battery chemistries and components, pushing the boundaries of current performance and safety metrics.
Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, process engineers, and mechanical engineers to integrate new materials and designs into next-generation battery architectures.
Author detailed technical reports, research summaries, and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and leadership.
Drive the formulation and characterization of novel electrolyte solutions and electrode slurries to enhance cell performance, stability, and safety.
Conduct root-cause analysis and failure mode investigations on battery cells post-testing to identify underlying chemical and physical degradation pathways.
Maintain and troubleshoot sophisticated laboratory equipment, including potentiostats, battery cyclers, and environmental chambers, ensuring operational readiness and data integrity.
Contribute to the development of intellectual property by documenting novel inventions, assisting in patent filing, and staying abreast of the competitive IP landscape.
Screen and benchmark new raw materials (e.g., active materials, binders, additives) from external suppliers to identify promising candidates for improved cell performance.
Develop and implement rigorous safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals, high-voltage systems, and air-sensitive materials within a laboratory setting.
Scale up lab-proven concepts from small-scale coin cells to larger, commercially relevant prototype formats, addressing challenges related to processing and uniformity.
Utilize Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to efficiently explore complex parameter spaces and optimize cell formulations and manufacturing processes.
Stay current with the latest advancements in electrochemistry, battery technology, and materials science by reviewing scientific literature and attending industry conferences.
Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and safety.
Perform physical and chemical characterization of battery materials and components using techniques such as SEM, XRD, XPS, and TGA to correlate material properties with electrochemical performance.
Develop fundamental understanding and models for electrochemical processes occurring within the cell to predict performance and guide material design.
Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of milestones and effective allocation of resources.

Secondary Functions

Support the qualification and onboarding of new analytical instruments and testing hardware for the R&D lab.
Contribute to the organization's technical roadmap and long-term research strategy.
Collaborate with the supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure a smooth transition of technology from lab to pilot-scale production.
Participate in technical discussions and brainstorming sessions to foster innovation and solve cross-functional challenges.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep expertise in electrochemical characterization techniques, including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Galvanostatic Cycling (GCPL).
Proficiency with operating and troubleshooting electrochemical workstations (e.g., BioLogic, Gamry) and battery cyclers (e.g., Arbin, Maccor, NEWARE).
Hands-on experience with battery cell assembly in various formats (coin, pouch, cylindrical) and operation of inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
Strong knowledge of battery chemistries, particularly Lithium-ion, but also including next-gen systems like solid-state, lithium-sulfur, or sodium-ion.
Familiarity with material characterization methods such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
Advanced data analysis and visualization skills using software like Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib), Origin, MATLAB, or JMP.
Practical knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) principles and statistical analysis.
Experience with slurry mixing, coating, and electrode fabrication processes.
Understanding of cell failure analysis techniques and post-mortem characterization.
Strong commitment to and knowledge of laboratory safety protocols for chemical and electrical hazards.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a first-principles, data-driven approach.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical data clearly and concisely.
A highly collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, reproducible scientific work.
High degree of self-motivation, adaptability, and ability to manage ambiguity in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Innovative and curious mindset with a passion for learning and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Chemistry / Electrochemistry
Materials Science & Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Physics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Electrochemist: 2+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience.
Senior Electrochemist: 5+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience, with a track record of leading projects.

Preferred:

Direct, hands-on experience in a research and development laboratory focused on battery technology (e.g., Li-ion, solid-state) or another electrochemical system like fuel cells or electrolyzers. A strong publication or patent record is highly desirable.