Senior Research Scientist

at  Invinity Energy Systems

Energy storage is the most exciting area in energy today. Massive amounts of energy storage are required if renewable energy is to take its rightful place on the electric grid. Invinity provides an alternative to the most common type of battery, lithium-ion because the battery technology that works so well in our pockets doesn’t work as well at the grid scale; it wears out, limits use, and even catches fire.
Manufactured as a standardized product in a factory, Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries don’t degrade, won’t catch fire, and can be operated continuously from full charge to full discharge for 25 years. Invinity has 75,000 kilowatt-hours of its modular battery systems in 82 projects across 15 countries - more than any other company in the space. We’ve deployed the largest flow battery systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK, and are supported by the UK Infrastructure Bank, the U.S. Department of Energy, and some of the world’s leading institutional investors.
A compelling product and recent funding put Invinity in a position to grow dramatically as it addresses the global imperative for stationary energy storage. Join us as we help transform renewable energy into a stable and dependable contributor to the transition to net zero.
Invinity has operations in the UK, Canada, the U.S., and Australia and trades publicly in the UK on AIM and AQSE and in the U.S. on OTCQX. For more information about us visit our webpage.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist to join our Technology Group, working from the company’s site in Bathgate, UK. Reporting to the Manager of Materials R&D, the ideal candidate will be highly motivated, with exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. You will be joining a team of talented scientists and engineers, split across sites in Bathgate and Vancouver, BC. You will have opportunities to work directly with internal & external scientific partners, and with materials suppliers.
The role will be primarily lab-based, and you will lead and manage R&D programmes to characterise new redox-flow-battery materials, develop new test equipment and methods, and establish and grow new collaborative research efforts. You will also provide support and guide the research to junior members of the technology group, and provide technical guidance to other teams within the company. The role is highly diverse, encompasses many different types of R&D projects, and will provide fresh challenges and learning opportunities every day.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D in electrochemistry or related physical science;
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in lab management and the mentoring/guiding of junior scientists;
• At least 3 years of demonstrated post-degree industrial experience within an R&D environment, with a strong focus on battery technology;
• Highly motivated team player, with interest and ability to thrive in a technology start-up environment ;
• Experience and respect for safety in a chemical laboratory/production environment;
• Effective time manager, able to balance multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines;
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative to pro‑actively develop and lead projects;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex technology issues to a variety of audiences in a clear, concise manner;
• Specific experience in materials R&D relating to flow batteries is considered highly advantageous.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Infrequent travel, both national & international, may be required for this position.
  If you are great at what you do, willing to engage with our collaborative culture, and motivated by making a difference in the world, consider joining us. Invinity Energy Systems is small enough that every team member plays a critical role in our daily business, but large enough to participate in landmark clean energy projects around the world

• Plan and lead electrochemical R&D projects to explore next-generation materials and flow-battery designs.
• Design and plan experiments within our wider research programmes.
• Conduct electrochemical, wet chemical, and physical analyses of materials and devices.
• Analyse and report experimental results, concisely, and promptly.
• Help manage day-to-day operation of an electrochemical R&D laboratory.
• Ensure H&S policies are adhered to, including COSHH compliance and risk assessments.
• Monitor and optimise existing infrastructure and experiments and mentor junior laboratory members.
• Identify & investigate new materials. Establish & maintain relationships with suppliers and research groups.
• Carry out experimental work to characterise materials and collaborate with Supply-Chain Team as required.
• Develop new test methods and equipment and drive continuous improvement of existing processes and SOPs.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field, and of new techniques.
• Identify solutions to technical problems & challenges on both a lab and production scale.
• Provide technical support to wider teams within Invinity.
• Assist in troubleshooting production and field issues and advise on technical queries.