Senior Research Scientist

AnaVation LLC; Bathgate; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy solutions company in Bathgate seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead materials R&D in flow battery technology. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in electrochemistry, at least 5 years of lab management experience, and a strong focus on battery technology. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic team environment, contributing to innovative energy solutions aimed at advancing renewable energy integration.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Leadership development

Inclusive hiring practices

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in lab management and mentoring.
• 3+ years in an R&D environment focused on battery technology.
• Experience in materials R&D for flow batteries considered advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead materials R&D projects for new battery designs.
• Conduct electrochemical and physical analyses of materials.
• Lead small teams and provide guidance to junior scientists.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Lab management

Electrochemistry

Education

Ph.D in electrochemistry or related physical science

Tools

Electrochemical test equipment

Chemical analytical tools

Job description

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 standardised 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 over 30 years. Invinity has 75 megawatt‑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’s National Wealth Fund, some of the world’s leading institutional investors, and our projects are backed by major institutions including the U.S. Department of Energy and the UK Government.

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 and the U.S. and trades publicly in the UK on AIM 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. 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, and will have opportunities to work directly with internal & external scientific partners, and with materials suppliers.

The role has a significant lab focus, where you will lead and execute R&D programmes to characterise new redox‑flow‑battery materials, develop new test equipment and methods, and establish new collaborative research efforts. You will also provide support and guide the research efforts of junior members of the technology group, and provide technical guidance to other teams within the company. The role is highly diverse, and encompasses many different types of R&D projects, and will provide fresh challenges and learning opportunities every day.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead materials R&D projects to explore next‑generation materials and flow‑battery designs
• Work with R&D Manager to develop and drive materials R&D projects, aligning with company’s Technology Roadmap
• Design and plan experiments within our wider research programmes
• Conduct electrochemical, wet chemical, and physical analyses of materials and devices
• Lead small teams of researchers within specific projects
• Analyse and report experimental results clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner
• Identify & investigate new electroactive cell materials e.g. electrodes, membranes
• Establish & maintain relationships with suppliers and research groups
• Carry out experimental work to characterise materials
• Collaborate with Supply‑Chain Team as required
• Develop new test methods and equipment
• 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
• 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
• Mentor junior laboratory members
• Provide technical support to wider teams within Invinity
• Assist in trouble‑shouting production and field issues
• Advise on technical queries

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 organisational 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.

Eligibility

• UK resident with full eligibility to work within the UK without additional sponsorship.
• Travel Requirements:
• Infrequent travel, both national & international, may be required for this position.

If you are great at what you do 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.

At Invinity, we are actively focused on increasing the representation of women across all levels of our organisation, particularly within our engineering, manufacturing and technical teams. We believe that diverse perspectives drive better innovation, and we are committed to providing a working environment where women can thrive, lead, and progress their careers in STEM.

We support this through inclusive hiring practices, equal pay for equal work, flexible working options, leadership development and continuous review of our policies to ensure they meet the needs of all genders and life stages.

Our culture is one of respect, inclusion, and empowerment — where every individual can contribute fully and confidently to a sustainable energy future.