Electrochemist Oxford, England
Job description
Background and Overview
Milvus Advanced, Ltd. is a technology company developing nanoalloys that serve as substitutes for costly metals that are critical to decarbonization, like platinum, iridium and cobalt. In addition to being cheaper and more abundant, Milvus’ catalysts mitigate the environmental and human rights toll associated with the mining of precious metals. Milvus’ first applications help unlock the hydrogen economy, enabling: (1) low-cost clean hydrogen from water electrolysis and (2) efficient use of hydrogen to produce electricity in fuel cells. We are building a diverse and collaborative team of people who share our values of teamwork and creativity, and our motivation to ensure an affordable, scalable, and reliable supply of global commodities critical for the clean energy transition.
Position Overview
Milvus Advanced seeks a motivated development scientist/engineer with electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering background to join our dynamic team. An ideal candidate is expected to have 5 to 10 years of electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering experience in relevant systems such as fuel cells and electrolysers. Recent PhD graduates with an electrochemistry focus are encouraged to apply.
As a member of the Milvus team, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that enables low-cost, clean hydrogen production and the efficient use of hydrogen to produce electricity in fuel cells. With your deep engineering experience, you will be responsible for developing electrochemical systems and next-generation low-cost electrode materials for fuel cells and electrolysers, optimizing performance and durability, and developing processes for characterisation and analysis of low-cost electrode catalysts.
In addition to the technical expertise, we are looking for someone who shares our values of teamwork and creativity and is committed to ensuring an affordable, scalable, and reliable supply of global commodities critical for the clean energy transition. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with a diverse and passionate team and disseminate information cross-functionally within the organisation.
Primary responsibilities
- Develop electrochemical systems and next-generation low-cost electrode materials for fuel cells and electrolysers
- Optimise the performance, durability, and contamination-control within the fuel cell and electrolyser operating environments
- Develop processes for the characterisation and analysis of low-cost electrode catalysts
- Participate in improving understanding of catalyst and catalyst-membrane interactions
- Actively disseminate information cross-functionally within the organisation
- Develop, including risk and COSHH assessments, safety protocols and procedures related to the safe handling, storage and disposal of materials used within nanocatalysts, fuel cells and electrolysers
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- PhD in electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
- 2 years or more experience in the following areas:
- Electrode preparation: Deep understanding of ion-conducting polymers, solvents, and their synergistic effects to catalytic performance. Experience with ink formulation and deposition including dispersion formulation, coating, and drying process
- Electrocatalysis: Experience with electrocatalytic materials synthesis and design, preferably d-transition metal compounds; charge transfer and surface reaction mechanisms; corrosion; durability; electronic and ionic conductivity; mass transport
- Electrochemical engineering: Knowledge in gas and liquid phase mass transport, electronic and ionic transport, and reaction kinetics
- Experience with electrochemical measurements and diagnostic tests, including polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
- Experience with physical characterisation methods, such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optoelectronic characterisation such as sheet resistance, absorbance and transmittance
- Ability to think critically and an execution/results-oriented mindset
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and within a small, dynamic team
What we offer
- Salary between £40k -£50k
- 24 days off / year + bank holidays
- Stock options
- Work-life balance
- Commuter benefits program to offset carbon emissions: we encourage employees to use public transit, biking, or carpooling for their commute
What we value
Milvus Advanced is on a mission to create a more sustainable word, one that future generation can look back and be proud of what we have accomplished. And you have the opportunity to be part of this transformative movement.
Our company is laser-focused on re-industrialising the continent in a way that it preserves our planet’s precious resources: we are steadfastly committed on sustainability, and we won’t sacrifice the Earth’s essential elements to achieve our goals.
We harbour a boundless passion for innovation and exploration. We are passionate about bringing together bright, curious minds to tackle the world's most existential challenges. We believe that by educating and mobilising wider audiences., we can find solutions to the most complex technical and environmental challenges we face.
At Milvus Advanced, we nurture collaborations and invest in people. Education is a top priority for us, and we committed to helping our community learn and grow both personally and professionally.
We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance and we will treat you with respect and dignity. Together we can make a lasting impact on the world.
How to Apply
Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time.
To apply for this job, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Wellness programme
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay types:
- Performance bonus
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Oxford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- PhD (preferred)
Work Location: In person
