Research Scientist, R&D

In the world of energy, no area is more exciting than large-scale energy storage. From a few installations a decade ago to a market Barclays Bank says is “likely to approach the trillions,” energy storage makes wind and solar available around the clock. Invinity is taking a leading role by providing a safe, reliable, and economical alternative to conventional storage solutions.

Invinity Energy Systems, a public company trading on the London Stock Exchange, produces batteries that do not suffer the short life, fire risk and materials scarcity that hold back solutions powered by lithium-ion batteries. Invinity’s flow batteries store energy in a water-based electrolyte using vanadium, a widely available element proven in energy storage for decades. Invinity has commercial projects in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, with significant operations in Vancouver and Bathgate and offices in London and San Francisco.

We are looking for people with a passion for renewable energy to join us. People love working at Invinity because we are empowered to make a meaningful impact. We’re small enough that every team member plays a critical role in our daily business, but large enough that the batteries we build are being deployed at significant scale in landmark clean energy projects around the world.

Invinity is committed to providing equal opportunities in the workplace and follows a comprehensive Equal Opportunities Policy to ensure all employees are valued and can reach their full potential.

We are seeking an experienced 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 scientific collaborators and suppliers.

The role will be primarily lab based, and you will contribute to our R&D programme, characterising new redox-flow-battery materials, developing new test equipment and methods, and providing technical support to other teams within the company. The role is highly diverse, and encompasses many different types of R&D projects, providing new challenges and learning opportunities every day.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical, wet chemical and electrochemical analyses of materials and devices
  • Design and plan chemical experiments within our wider research programmes
  • Conduct risk assessments and adhere to all safety considerations
  • Analyse and report experimental results clearly, concisely and in a timely manner
• Identify & investigate new materials
  • Establish & maintain relationships with suppliers
  • Carry out experimental work to characterise materials
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain Team as required
• Develop new test methods and equipment
  • Identify solutions to technical problems & challenges on both a lab and production scale
  • Source components and build prototype test equipment
  • Develop and formalise clear SOPs for new processes
• Provide chemical & experimental support to wider teams within Invinity
  • Assist in trouble-shooting production and field issues
  • Advise on technical & chemical queries
• Confidently present ideas and results in team meetings and to larger groups

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials chemistry, (or a related scientific field)
• Three years or more of research experience within a laboratory environment
• 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 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
• Good MS Office skills & general IT competency
• Experience in electrochemistry and more generally in the field of battery technologies an advantage, as is experience with advanced lab techniques e.g SEM, EDXS, and ICP.