Research Scientist

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our Catalyst & Coating Development Team focused on next-generation alkaline water electrolysers. The role involves the development, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts and electrode coatings for hydrogen production.

The candidate will be responsible for electrochemical evaluation of catalyst performance using techniques such as ECSA determination, Tafel analysis, exchange current density calculations, EIS, CV, LSV, and durability testing. The role also includes developing and executing accelerated stress tests and long-term durability protocols in both three-electrode laboratory systems and single-cell electrolyser platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Catalyst Development & Characterization

• Develop and optimize catalyst compositions for HER and OER applications in alkaline electrolysers.
• Design and evaluate Ni-based, Ni-Mo, Ni-Fe, Raney-type, and other advanced catalyst systems.
• Support electrode coating development through electroplating, thermal spraying, and related processes.
• Correlate catalyst composition, morphology, and microstructure with electrochemical performance.

Electrochemical Evaluation

• Conduct electrochemical characterization using:

oCyclic Voltammetry (CV)

oLinear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV)

oElectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)

oChronopotentiometry (CP)

oChronoamperometry (CA)

oPolarization Measurements

• Determine

oElectrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA)

oTafel Slopes

oExchange Current Density (j?)

oCharge Transfer Resistance

oOverpotential and Kinetic Parameters

• Analyze reaction kinetics and performance degradation mechanisms.

Durability & Reliability Testing

• Develop accelerated degradation and durability test protocols for alkaline electrolyser electrodes.
• Design and execute long-term stability studies in:

oThree-electrode electrochemical cells

oSingle-cell electrolyser systems

• Investigate catalyst degradation mechanisms including:

oCorrosion

oCatalyst dissolution/leaching

oSurface passivation

oMechanical degradation

oImpurity-induced degradation

• Establish qualification criteria and benchmarking methodologies for new catalyst systems.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Interpret electrochemical data and generate technical reports.
• Perform statistical and comparative analysis of catalyst performance.
• Present findings through internal reviews, technical reports, publications, and patents.
• Maintain comprehensive experimental documentation and databases.

Collaboration & Innovation

• Work closely with materials, process, coating, and stack engineering teams.
• Interface with external laboratories, universities, research institutes, and suppliers.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation including invention disclosures and patent filings.
• Track emerging technologies and literature in electrolysis and electrocatalysis.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. or M.Tech./M.S. in:

oElectrochemistry

oChemical Engineering

oMaterials Science

oMetallurgical Engineering

oEnergy Science

oRelated disciplines

Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant industrial or research experience in electrochemistry, catalysts, or electrolyser/fuel-cell technologies.
• Experience in catalyst performance evaluation and electrochemical testing.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with potentiostats/galvanostats and electrochemical workstations.
• Strong understanding of:

oHER and OER kinetics

oECSA determination methods

oTafel analysis

oExchange current density calculations

oElectrochemical impedance spectroscopy

oCorrosion and degradation mechanisms

• Experience with alkaline electrolyser testing and single-cell operation is preferred.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as:

oSEM/EDS

oXRD

oXPS

oICP-OES

oBET Surface Area Analysis

oOptical and Electron Microscopy

Preferred Skills

• Experience in catalyst coating technologies and electrode fabrication.
• Knowledge of accelerated stress testing (AST) and durability protocol development.
• Exposure to scale-up and technology commercialization.
• Experience in scientific publications and patent drafting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.

Key Deliverables

• Development of high-performance catalyst and coating systems for alkaline electrolysers.
• Establishment of standardized performance evaluation methodologies.
• Development of durability and degradation testing protocols.
• Technical reports, publications, patents, and technology qualification packages.
• Support commercialization and scale-up activities of electrolyser technologies.