Cathode Scientist

About the Role

TaiSan is developing next-generation polymer electrolyte to enable Sodium Batteries 2.0 — higher energy density, safer, and scalable. We are looking to recruit a Cathode Developer to own cathode electrode development from powders through coated electrode sheets, and to drive cathode + catholyte optimization for high-voltage, high-capacity sodium battery cells.

In this role, you will design and optimize cathode electrodes and catholyte formulations, define strategies for selecting the best sodium cathode chemistries for TaiSan’s cells, and work closely with analytical and cell teams to ensure improvements translate into higher voltage, higher capacity, and high-rate discharge performance.

Key Responsibilities

Cathode Electrode Development (Powders → Sheets)

• Produce cathode electrode sheets from powders through slurry preparation, coating, drying, and calendaring.
• Optimize electrode formulation and processing parameters to improve performance and reproducibility.
• Maintain clear documentation of electrode batches, parameters, and outcomes.

Catholyte Development

• Develop catholyte formulations, including optimizing weight ratios of chemicals inside the catholyte system.
• Identify catholyte–cathode compatibility requirements and stability limits.
• Support integration of catholyte design with TaiSan’s polymer electrolyte strategy.

Cathode Strategy & Performance Targets

• Develop a strategy for which sodium cathode chemistries are best suited for TaiSan’s cells.
• Design cathode electrodes for:
  • Higher voltage operation
  • Higher capacity
  • High discharge rates
• Support cell-level validation and performance benchmarking across candidate cathode systems.

Analytical Collaboration & Testing

• Work closely with Analytical Scientists to:
  • Define screening tests and pass gates
  • Interpret electrode and material behavior
  • Identify failure modes and degradation pathways
• Use analytical feedback loops to continuously improve electrode design and catholyte formulation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Cooperate with anode, electrolyte, and pouch cell teams to ensure full-cell compatibility.
• Support integration of cathode systems into TaiSan’s Gen 1–3 development roadmap.
• Communicate clearly with the wider team on cathode variations, tradeoffs, and conclusions.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience working with sodium cathodes.
• Strong experience producing electrode sheets from powders (slurry → coating → drying → calendaring).
• Ability to design electrodes for high voltage, high capacity, and high-rate discharge performance.
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working closely with analytical scientists.
• High attention to detail, reproducibility, and strong documentation habits.

Notes / Not Required

• Synthesis of cathode active material is not required for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cathode–electrolyte interfacial stability and degradation mechanisms.
• Experience defining screening gates / QC methods for cathode electrodes.
• Familiarity with polymer electrolytes, catholytes, or solid-state systems.
• Comfortable in an early-stage deep-tech startup environment with high ownership and rapid iteration.

Who You Are

• You are an independent, rigorous scientist who takes full ownership of your analytical work from experimental design to final reporting.
• You are comfortable operating autonomously and building structure where it does not yet exist. You do not wait for detailed instructions. You identify gaps, define testing standards, and proactively improve analytical workflows.
• You think critically about reproducibility, scalability, and long-term product impact. You understand that data quality directly influences material decisions and manufacturing readiness.
• You are disciplined in documentation, precise in execution, and uncompromising in safety standards.
• You thrive in a fast-moving environment where your work directly shapes material development and commercialization strategy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity compensation commensurate with experience.
• Inclusive and mission-driven work environment.20 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Company pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential counselling and personal support services.
• Access to an online wellbeing tool for fast, confidential wellbeing guidance.
• Bright Exchange employee benefits platform providing discounts and exclusive offers across a wide range of products and services.
• Support with visa activities.