Purpose of the Role
Head of Applied Research
Location: Oxford, UK
Function: Technology Cell – Research
Reports to: Vice President, Research & Development
Line Management: Yes
Financial Responsibility: Yes
Lead the Future of Battery Innovation at Agratas
Agratas is building the next generation of sustainable, high‑performance battery technologies for global mobility and energy applications. As a fast‑scaling organisation backed by Tata Sons, we combine the agility of a start‑up with the strength and ambition of a global leader. Our R&D teams sit at the heart of this mission—pushing boundaries, shaping strategy, and defining the technologies that will power a cleaner future.
We are now seeking a Head of Research, a senior and highly influential leader who will drive our research agenda, shape our scientific direction, and elevate our technical capabilities across the organisation.
This is a pivotal role within Agratas R&D—one that will set the tone for excellence, innovation and impact across our global research portfolio.
The Opportunity
As Head of Research, you will lead high‑profile, strategically critical research programmes that underpin Agratas’ future battery cell technologies. You will define research priorities, guide multidisciplinary teams, and ensure that our scientific work delivers meaningful value to the business.
Your leadership will span multiple chemistries, technology maturities and application areas. You will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders—including senior leaders, global partners, academic institutions and industry collaborators—ensuring that Agratas remains at the forefront of battery innovation.
This role demands a visionary thinker with deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership capability and a proven track record of delivering complex R&D programmes from concept to commercialisation.
Key Responsibility Areas
• Lead the design, execution and delivery of research programmes aligned to Agratas’ strategic technology roadmap, ensuring excellence in quality, timing and budget.
• Provide senior‑level direction, mentorship and technical guidance across the R&D organisation, influencing decision‑making up to Board level.
• Build and structure high‑performing research teams through effective recruitment, development and organisational design.
• Drive a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration and operational discipline across the R&D function.
• Oversee internal and external research activities, including partnerships with industry, academia and global research centres.
• Maintain deep awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, policy developments and competitive landscapes.
• Strengthen Agratas’ research governance, ensuring robust project management, risk mitigation and performance frameworks.
• Represent Agratas in scientific, policy and industry forums, communicating our research impact and shaping external engagement.
• Champion diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity within the R&D community.
• Support cross‑functional initiatives that enhance operational excellence and accelerate technology delivery.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Extensive industrial experience in lithium‑ion materials, cell and battery R&D, including materials processing, cell build methods and advanced characterisation.
• Deep understanding of research methodologies, electrochemical testing and characterisation techniques across materials, intermediates and cells.
• Proven success leading complex, high‑profile R&D programmes—setting strategy, building business cases, managing resources and delivering results.
• Strong organisational and planning capability, with expertise in programme, resource and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and develop high‑performing scientific teams.
• Experience producing impactful research outputs: proposals, reports, reviews, patents, literature analyses and technical communications.
• Strong understanding of research ethics, scientific standards and data governance.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work across functional, cultural and geographic boundaries.
Qualifications & Leadership Attributes
• PhD in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Highly strategic thinker with strong analytical capability.
• Exceptional people leadership—able to align, motivate and develop teams.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Organised, proactive and committed to operational excellence.
Job Context
Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to shape the research strategy of a rapidly growing global battery company and to influence the technologies that will define the future of electrification.
If you are a senior R&D leader ready to make a transformative impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Agratas is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we value the unique perspectives that a diverse team brings to our work. Recruitment and progression are based solely on skills, experience and potential, and we actively encourage candidates from under‑represented groups in STEM to apply. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels respected, supported and able to contribute fully to our mission of advancing sustainable battery technology.
