Purpose of the Role

Senior Characterisation Scientist 

Location: Oxford, Milton Park
Function: Technology / Cell R&D
Line Management: Yes

Agratas is building the next generation of sustainable battery technology. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, we design, develop, and manufacture high‑performance lithium‑ion batteries for mobility and energy storage applications. Backed by Tata’s global strength and driven by a fast‑moving, scale‑up mindset, we’re creating something extraordinary at our state‑of‑the‑art Cell R&D facility in Oxfordshire.

We’re now expanding our Advanced Materials Characterisation Team and seeking a Senior Characterisation Scientist to lead the development of advanced analytical methods, with a particular focus on battery interfaces and in‑situ/operando diagnostics.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll play a key role in deepening our understanding of electrode and electrolyte behaviour, supporting the development of next‑generation cell technologies. This is a hands‑on, technically challenging role with leadership responsibility and the opportunity to shape our in‑house characterisation capability.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Lead advanced materials analysis across chemical, physical, electrical, and mechanical domains to drive improvements in lithium‑ion cell materials and interfaces.
• Develop and deploy in‑situ and operando analytical methods (e.g., GC‑MS, FTIR, Raman, DEMS) to investigate electrode interphases, gassing behaviour, ageing mechanisms, and electrochemical‑driven materials changes.
• Characterise and analyse a wide range of electrolytes, electrode materials, and cycled/aged components.
• Drive onboarding, commissioning, and optimisation of new characterisation equipment, including method development, SOP creation, and best‑practice implementation.
• Stay ahead of emerging analytical technologies, OEM innovations, and academic developments, integrating new techniques where they add value.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operation of laboratory equipment, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient workflows.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and method expertise to colleagues within the R&D team.
• Collaborate closely with electrochemists, scientists, and engineers to support materials development and cell performance optimisation.
• Produce high‑quality technical reports and contribute to cross‑functional project discussions.

Job Context

What You’ll Bring

Essential Experience & Skills

• 2–3 years in battery R&D or manufacturing, or 3–5 years in an application‑focused academic environment with strong industry collaboration.
• Hands‑on expertise with advanced characterisation techniques, particularly GC‑MS, IC‑MS, FTIR, Raman, and related spectroscopy tools.
• Strong understanding of lithium‑ion battery materials, electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and electrochemical behaviour.
• Experience troubleshooting real‑world materials challenges in Li‑ion cell development.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally within a specialist R&D environment.
• High attention to detail, strong experimental discipline, and familiarity with LIMS/ELN or similar data systems.
• Ability to lead small teams, mentor colleagues, and support broader R&D initiatives.

Ideal Background

• Degree in materials science, chemistry, electrochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in a fast‑paced industrial battery materials lab.
• Previous work with leading battery developers, OEMs, or advanced materials organisations.

Why Join Agratas?

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of battery technology from the inside. You’ll work alongside world‑class scientists and engineers in a purpose‑driven environment where innovation, curiosity, and collaboration thrive.

We offer competitive compensation, flexible banding for exceptional talent, and clear pathways for career progression. As part of Tata Sons, we combine the agility of a start‑up with the stability and scale of a global organisation.

At Agratas, we believe diverse teams build better solutions. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you.

Ready to help shape the future of energy storage? Apply now and join us on our journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.