Purpose of the Role

Cathode Scientist – Li-ion Battery Cell (Applied Research)

Location: Oxford, UK
Function/Department: Cell Technology / Applied Research
Reports to: Principal Cathode Scientist (UK) – Cell Technology / Applied Research

The Opportunity

At Agratas, we are redefining the future of sustainable energy storage. As a Cathode Scientist – Li-ion Battery Cell (Applied Research), you will play a key role in advancing state-of-the-art cathode materials and driving innovation in next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the performance, scalability, and competitiveness of future energy storage solutions — from research prototypes to commercial-ready applications. You will work at the forefront of material science, contributing to Agratas’ mission to deliver high-performance, sustainable, and scalable battery technologies for electric mobility and beyond.

Key Responsibility Areas

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Development: Execute the evaluation, understanding, and exploitation of advanced cathode materials and technologies (e.g. high-Ni, L(M)FP, low-Co/Co-free chemistries) to meet critical customer requirements for performance, safety, lifetime, and cost.

• Advanced Material Understanding: Lead the design and optimisation of cathode materials and electrodes, collaborating across R&D to perform advanced electrochemical and material characterisation (e.g. SEM, XRD, EIS).

• Innovation & Competitiveness: Contribute to Agratas’ cathode technology roadmap, proposing next-generation materials and electrode concepts to ensure global competitiveness and sustainable scalability.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate cathode innovations into overall cell design, supporting prototype development and validation.

• Data-Driven Optimisation: Use structured experimentation and advanced data analysis to optimise materials, formulations, and processing methods for improved efficiency and durability.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain high standards of technical documentation, reporting progress, insights, and recommendations to R&D leadership.

Job Context

About You

You are a technically strong and motivated scientist with a passion for lithium-ion technology and materials innovation. You thrive in a collaborative R&D environment, are driven by scientific curiosity, and take pride in turning research into real-world impact.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Deep expertise in cathode chemistry (high-Ni, L(M)FP, low-Co/Co-free, or related systems) and electrode processing.

• Proficiency in material characterisation and electrochemical analysis techniques (e.g. SEM, XRD, EIS).

• Demonstrated ability to innovate and problem-solve in advanced battery materials development.

• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to optimisation.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills within cross-functional R&D environments.

• Awareness of industrial cathode technology trends and scalability requirements for mass production.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent industrial experience in lithium-ion battery R&D.

• Proven experience leading or contributing to R&D projects in cathode materials or electrode development.

Why Join Agratas?

At Agratas, we are building a global battery business focused on innovation, sustainability, and impact. You’ll join a diverse, collaborative team of scientists and engineers pioneering energy solutions for the next generation of electric mobility and energy storage.

We offer:

• A dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art facilities

• Opportunities to innovate and lead cutting-edge projects

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• A culture of curiosity, collaboration, and growth

Ready to power the future?
Apply now to join Agratas and help drive the next generation of battery technology.