R&D Electrochemist

Highlights of the role:

• Job Title: R&D Electrochemist.
  
• Reports to: Chief Technology Officer.
• Term: Full time.
• Location: Oxfordshire.
• Salary Range: £40,000-£48,000, depending on experience.

About OXECO

We are a chemistry technology (chemtech) company on a mission to harness innovative surface chemistry to enable net-zero to become a fully accessible reality. We use our own versatile technology platform, called ONTO™, to control the way that surfaces behave and radically transform the way products and technologies work.

We leverage our wet applied chemistry to create thin coatings and membranes for a range of applications within clean technology and transport. One of our core focus areas is within the hydrogen economy where we are developing products to improve and optimise electrolyser and fuel cell systems.

Our scientific roots can be traced back to over 20 years of cutting-edge chemistry and materials research, and experience in bringing advanced materials to market. Privately held, OXECO was spun out from the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry and is situated within the heart of Oxford’s innovation hub, at Begbroke Science Park.

OXECO is a multinational, dynamic team of scientists and commercial experts, and is funded by top technology investors, and advised by world leaders in their respective fields. OXECO is rapidly growing and you will have the opportunity to drive the company into its next phase of growth.

Your role

This role will be integral to the research & development team working on new product development for the clean technology sector.

Daily Tasks

• Developing electrochemical test methods for evaluating novel membrane materials.
• Electrochemical testing of novel membrane materials and benchmarking to state-of-the-art commercial materials.
• Working with management to enhance internal testing capability by identification of new equipment and processes.
• Manging external partners for collaboration and/or outsourced testing.
• Working with the R&D team in new product development and research projects.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree or equivalent in chemistry with 3 years industry experience or PhD in chemistry.
• Practical experience with designing, running and interpreting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Demonstrable practical knowledge of electrochemical testing and interpretation of results.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, early-stage startup and to rapidly deliver a product to market.
• Ability to plan and manage own work streams as well as working as part of a team.
• Attention to detail, desire to learn and ability to prioritise tasks.
• Good spoken communication skills.
• Good writing and reporting skills with ability to document work clearly.
• Excellent general analytical skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in materials chemistry.
• Experience in working with and/or testing battery separators or ion exchange membranes.
• Experience in working with electrolysers, fuel cells, or batteries.
• Experience successfully delivering a new product to market, especially if within the clean technology sector.
• Knowledge of mechanical testing, thermal analysis, spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.

About you

OXECO is looking for an enthusiastic scientist with excellent organisation skills and strong attention to detail. You have a pragmatical approach to the way you conduct your research, and your focus on achieving practical solutions makes you stand out. You also have a personable approach in supporting clients and colleagues, and you will contribute actively to a work environment where everyone feels welcome and is treated with respect, upholding our three core company values to a high level of professionalism throughout your career with us:

1. Loyalty to our clients and partners – We put the service we provide to our clients and partners at the heart of everything we do.
2. Integrity in the science we do – we are passionate about our scientific research and its contribution towards helping solve some of the biggest problems the world faces.
3. Solutions-focused – we are here to deliver research that meets our clients’ needs, helps them add value to their products, and benefits society.

What we can offer you:

1. A competitive salary, dependent on experience.
2. 25 days annual leave, in addition to statutory Bank Holidays.
3. Enhanced pension scheme.
4. Professional development support.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

To apply please email: recruitment@oxeco.co.uk

Note:

This role is predominantly laboratory-based. However, some manual handling is likely, given the usual daily movement of equipment, chemicals, waste, and supplies. OXECO is committed to ensuring that, where appropriate and reasonable, adjustments will be made to accommodate those who may have difficulty with this aspect of the role.