The Opportunity
The associate scientist in cell R&D will support graphite synthesis / modifications & scale-Up will lead the development, optimization, and scaling of advanced graphite and nextgeneration anode materials for Liion batteries. This role majorly focuses on graphite powder synthesis, surface modification, process optimization, pilotscale production, and technology transfer to manufacturing.
The role also involves hands-on work in the selection or preparation of precursor materials, pitch or other coatings, doping/modification routes, thermal treatment, slurry evaluation, and scaleup trials. The candidate will collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams (electrochemistry, cell design, quality, and process engineering) to accelerate the development of highperformance anode materials for EVgrade cells.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Material Synthesis & Surface Modification: precursor selection and developing an optimised synthesis route for artificial graphite / coated graphite / doped composites.
- Process development and Scale-up: Establish a systematic novel synthesis route at lab scale and develop to bench and pilot scale. Conduct DoE based parameter optimization (for eg. Temperature, mixing ratio, mixing and dwelling time, surface coating formulation, and furnace profiles, etc.) Also support vendor discussions for the equipment selections.
- Characterization and performance evaluation: sound knowledge to conduct structural and morphological analysis /understanding for raw materials and final product along with other analytical tools like Tap/ true density, OAN, PSD, BET, etc.
- Pilot Trials & Process Transfer: Take ownership in process standardization and lead material runs in lab-scale/ pilot furnaces, mixers, granulators, and coating units. Document process conditions, yields, energy consumption, and cost modelling, etc.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed experiment logs, batch records, and synthesis history. Assist in SOP preparation, scale-up guidelines, technical reports, and data presentations for leadership reviews. Adhere to IP processes, ensuring that new synthesis routes and formulations are properly documented.
- Maintains Safety protocols inside the laboratory: Ensure safe operation of furnaces, reactors, coating units, and chemical handling areas. Follow all EHS requirements, including risk assessments, PPE standards, and waste disposal protocols
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience preferably 1 – 2 years in synthesis of carbon materials (graphite, modified graphite, SiC/SiOx,), including coating, doping, carbonization, and hightemperature processing. Strong knowledge of Liion battery anode fundamentals and structure–property relationships. Good experience with powder processing equipment (mixers, mills, sieves, granulators, furnaces)
- Process Optimization: Ability to design experiments, analyze data statistically, and optimize multivariable processes. Experience scaling materials from grams kilograms pilotlevel batches
- Safety Protocols: Familiarity with lab safety procedures, including chemical handling, and waste disposal.
- Equipment Handling: Experience in setting up, operating, and maintaining the instruments.
- Attention to Detail: Strong ability to follow precise procedures and document results accurately. Experience on creating SOP for equipment and processes.
- Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work closely with R&D teams, process engineers, and external vendors. Strong technical documentation and presentation skills.
- Organisation & Inventory Management: Proficient in inventory management, planning for raw material needs, and maintaining wellorganized lab environments.
- Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated on nextgen anode technologies (Si/C, SiOx composites, advanced coatings, precursor chemistry, sustainability methods
Role Specific Qualifications/Certifications
- Candidates should have demonstrable experience (1 – 2 years) in carbon material synthesis, more specially graphite synthesis, thermal processing, battery material development.
- Prior experience in lithium-ion battery anode development or industrial powder processing is highly desirable.
- This position is ideal for candidates with a technical or laboratory background with a bachelor's/ master's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, Physics, materials science, and mechanical/chemical engineering looking to support cutting-edge research in Li-ion battery materials and cell development.
