Principal Scientist-Battery Design and Engineering-Belgium

About the Role

Our client is an innovative advanced materials company specialising in the development of next-generation materials for battery applications. As part of its continued investment in research and development, the company is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist – Battery Design & Engineering to lead scientific research, battery design and technology development, with a particular focus on nano-silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

This is a senior technical leadership position requiring a combination of deep scientific expertise, practical laboratory experience and commercial awareness. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining the long-term technology roadmap, developing advanced battery architectures, establishing laboratory capabilities and translating scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable products.

Key Responsibilities

1. Battery Technology & Scientific Roadmap

• Develop and lead the long-term scientific and technology roadmap for nano-silicon-based anode materials.

• Define technical performance targets, research priorities and development milestones aligned with commercial objectives.

• Formulate scientific hypotheses and lead validation programmes to overcome technical challenges and improve battery performance.

• Drive continuous improvements in battery efficiency, performance, durability and commercial readiness.

2. Battery Design, Cell Architecture & Laboratory Development

• Lead the development of next-generation battery cell chemistries, electrode formulations and cell architectures.

• Define cell design methodologies, laboratory processes and scale-up pathways.

• Establish laboratory infrastructure, testing capabilities, equipment requirements and standard operating procedures.

• Develop and implement best practices for coin and pouch cell assembly, testing and evaluation.

3. Research, Testing & Data Analytics

• Design and oversee experimental programmes, test matrices and analytical frameworks.

• Interpret experimental results and identify trends to guide product development and technical decision-making.

• Drive advanced material characterisation and structure-property modelling.

• Utilise analytical techniques and tools including SEM, XRD, BET, TGA and electrochemical testing equipment.

• Identify opportunities for scientific breakthroughs and contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications.

4. Commercial & Technical Enablement

• Translate scientific findings and laboratory results into commercially relevant technical information.

• Develop technical data sheets, product performance benchmarks and scientific value propositions.

• Work closely with Business Development and Technical Service teams to support customer engagements and technical discussions.

• Provide scientific expertise during customer evaluations, product qualification and technical sales processes.

5. Strategic Partnerships & Scientific Leadership

• Establish and develop collaborations with universities, research institutions, national laboratories and industrial partners.

• Represent the organisation at relevant scientific conferences, technical forums and industry events.

• Contribute to joint research initiatives, scientific publications and collaborative innovation programmes.

• Mentor and develop the scientific team, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence and continuous improvement.

• Work closely with senior leadership to influence research priorities, investment decisions and long-term product strategy.

Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline.

• PhD in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.

Professional Experience

• 8–12 years of hands-on research and development experience in conductive materials, battery technology or energy storage systems.

• Strong preference for candidates with direct experience in lithium-ion battery technology and anode material development.

• Demonstrated experience in battery cell design, electrode development, formulation and electrochemical testing.

• Experience in establishing or managing R&D laboratories and leading scientific research programmes.

• Proven ability to translate scientific research into practical product development and commercial applications.

Technical Competencies

• Battery Chemistry & Cell Design: Strong understanding of battery chemistry, electrode and electrolyte formulation, cell architecture and coin/pouch cell assembly.

• Anode Materials: Knowledge of silicon-based anode materials, graphite composites, conductive materials and associated material development challenges.

• Testing & Characterisation: Practical experience with SEM, XRD, BET, TGA, potentiostats and other relevant electrochemical and material characterisation techniques.

• Laboratory Management: Experience in laboratory establishment, equipment commissioning, calibration, testing protocols and laboratory safety.

• Research & Analytics: Strong experimental design, data interpretation, analytical modelling and scientific problem-solving capabilities.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, mentor researchers and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Commercial Awareness: Ability to connect scientific research and product performance with customer requirements and business objectives.

Key Success Factors

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish a clear and achievable scientific roadmap for next-generation battery anode materials.

• Develop robust battery testing and laboratory capabilities.

• Deliver measurable improvements in material and cell performance.

• Identify new technological opportunities and contribute to patent development.

• Strengthen the organisation's scientific reputation through strategic research partnerships.

• Support the commercialisation of innovative battery materials through strong technical engagement with customers.