Metal Anode Scientist

Job Title: Metal Anode Engineer – Sodium Batteries

Location: Cambridge, UK
Department: R&D / Advanced Battery Development
Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are looking for a talented Metal Anode Engineer specializing in sodium-based battery systems to drive the development and optimization of high-performance metallic sodium anodes. This role focuses on interfacial stability, plating/stripping behavior, and dendrite mitigation, supporting next-generation sodium-ion and sodium metal battery technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop metallic sodium anodes for advanced battery systems (liquid, semi-solid, and solid-state)
• Investigate and optimize Na plating/stripping mechanisms to improve coulombic efficiency and cycle life
• Analyze and engineer solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) for stability and performance
• Develop strategies to suppress dendrite formation and enhance safety
• Evaluate compatibility between sodium metal and various electrolytes (liquid, polymer, solid)
• Conduct electrochemical testing (cycling, EIS, rate capability, symmetric cells, etc.)
• Perform failure analysis and identify degradation mechanisms
• Collaborate with electrolyte, cathode, and cell engineering teams to integrate sodium anodes into full cells (including pouch format)
• Support scale-up from lab experiments to prototype cells
• Contribute to IP development, technical reports, and publications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Hands-on experience with sodium battery chemistries (sodium-ion or sodium metal)
• Strong understanding of metal anode behavior, including plating/stripping and interfacial phenomena
• Experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (EIS, CV, galvanostatic cycling)
• Familiarity with air-sensitive material handling (e.g., glovebox operation)
• Knowledge of SEI formation and interfacial engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with metallic sodium anodes
• Experience in dendrite mitigation strategies (coatings, 3D hosts, electrolyte engineering)
• Background in solid-state or polymer electrolyte systems
• Experience with advanced characterization techniques (SEM, XPS, TEM, AFM, etc.)
• Familiarity with pouch cell assembly and testing
• Track record of patents or publications in battery materials

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on next-generation sodium battery technologies
• Fast-paced, innovation-driven environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Strong potential for career growth and technical leadership