Purpose of the Role
Materials Scientist
Location: Milton Park, Oxfordshire, UK
Function: Technology / Cell R&D
Reporting to: Principal Characterisation Scientist
Power the Future with Agratas
At Agratas , we are on a mission to power a more sustainable future. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, we are designing, developing and manufacturing next-generation lithium-ion batteries for the mobility and energy storage sectors. Backed by Tata's global scale and heritage, we combine the ambition of a high-growth scale-up with the stability of a world-class organisation.
As we continue to expand our state-of-the-art Cell R&D facility in Oxfordshire, we are looking for a talented Materials Scientist to join our Advanced Materials Characterisation team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of battery innovation, applying advanced characterisation techniques to understand material behaviour, support breakthrough cell technologies, and accelerate the development of next-generation battery products.
Working alongside leading scientists, electrochemists and engineers, you will play a key role in developing characterisation methods, operating advanced analytical equipment, and generating critical insights that drive material and cell performance.
Key Responsibility Areas
What You'll Be Doing
Key Responsibilities Include
- Conduct chemical, physical, electrical and mechanical characterisation of lithium-ion battery materials, components and intermediate products.
- Develop and optimise analytical methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support research and development objectives.
- Operate, maintain and troubleshoot a range of advanced characterisation equipment including gas adsorption systems, microscopy techniques, thermal analysis instruments and other analytical tools.
- Collaborate closely with scientists, electrochemical engineers and product development teams to solve challenging battery technology problems.
- Analyse material property changes during cell formation and electrochemical cycling using advanced characterisation techniques.
- Generate high-quality experimental data, perform detailed analysis and communicate findings through technical reports and recommendations.
- Support the commissioning and implementation of new laboratory equipment and capabilities.
- Work with equipment suppliers to establish best practices, training programmes and method development strategies.
- Train laboratory users and support the development of internal characterisation expertise.
- Ensure safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling, risk assessments, safety documentation and waste management.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes, workflows and characterisation capabilities.
Job Context
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a scientifically curious and hands‑on materials scientist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and thrives in a collaborative R&D environment.
Essential Requirements
- 1-3 years of industrial experience in battery R&D, battery manufacturing, materials development or a related field.
- Degree or higher qualification in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Practical experience using advanced materials characterisation techniques in a laboratory environment.
- Strong understanding of material properties, structure-property relationships and analytical data interpretation.
- Experience developing experimental methods, procedures and laboratory workflows.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- High attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, reliable results.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling practices and risk assessment processes.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working with lithium‑ion battery materials, electrodes, separators, electrolytes or cell components.
- Hands‑on experience with techniques such as microscopy, thermal analysis, gas adsorption, surface characterisation or related methods.
- Knowledge of battery degradation mechanisms and electrochemical ageing processes.
- Experience using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar data management platforms.
- Experience within a fast‑paced industrial R&D environment.
- Previous experience with leading battery developers, manufacturers or research organisations.
Why Join Agratas?
At Agratas, You Will
- Work alongside world‑class scientists and engineers developing next‑generation battery technologies.
- Gain exposure to cutting‑edge analytical equipment and advanced materials research.
- Contribute directly to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
- Join a rapidly growing business backed by the strength and heritage of Tata Sons.
- Benefit from significant career development opportunities as we scale our UK battery operations.
- Be part of an inclusive and collaborative culture where innovation, curiosity and continuous learning are encouraged.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. Agratas is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and identities and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
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