Job Title: Metal Anode Engineer - Sodium Batteries
Location: Cambridge, UK
Department: R&D / Advanced Battery Development
Type: Full-time
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.
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Design and develop metallic sodium anodes for advanced battery systems (liquid, semi-solid, and solid-state)
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Investigate and optimize Na plating/stripping mechanisms to improve coulombic efficiency and cycle life
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Analyze and engineer solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) for stability and performance
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Develop strategies to suppress dendrite formation and enhance safety
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Evaluate compatibility between sodium metal and various electrolytes (liquid, polymer, solid)
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Conduct electrochemical testing (cycling, EIS, rate capability, symmetric cells, etc.)
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Perform failure analysis and identify degradation mechanisms
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Collaborate with electrolyte, cathode, and cell engineering teams to integrate sodium anodes into full cells (including pouch format)
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Support scale-up from lab experiments to prototype cells
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Contribute to IP development, technical reports, and publications
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Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
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Hands-on experience with sodium battery chemistries (sodium-ion or sodium metal)
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Strong understanding of metal anode behavior, including plating/stripping and interfacial phenomena
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Experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (EIS, CV, galvanostatic cycling)
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Familiarity with air-sensitive material handling (e.g., glovebox operation)
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Knowledge of SEI formation and interfacial engineering
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Direct experience with metallic sodium anodes
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Experience in dendrite mitigation strategies (coatings, 3D hosts, electrolyte engineering)
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Background in solid-state or polymer electrolyte systems
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Experience with advanced characterization techniques (SEM, XPS, TEM, AFM, etc.)
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Familiarity with pouch cell assembly and testing
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Track record of patents or publications in battery materials
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Opportunity to work on next-generation sodium battery technologies
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Fast-paced, innovation-driven environment
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Competitive compensation and benefits
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Strong potential for career growth and technical leadership