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