Principal Scientist - Components Manager

at SOLiTHOR’s Centre of Excellence for all-solid-state rechargeable lithium battery technology.

Who we are

SOLiTHOR is a high-tech company which is utilising 10 years of research by imec - the prestigious Belgian R&D institute in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

Building on this unique and patented research, SOLiTHOR is developing and aiming to commercialise the next all-solid-state lithium batteries for the electromobility sector. Our mission is to scale up our all-solid-state battery technology and apply it to electric vehicles – in the air, on land and sea.

To strengthen our growing team of engineers and technologists, we are looking for a motivated and talented Principal Scientist - Components Manager.

Main responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead, mentor, and guide the scientists in the innovative process enabling the achievement of key milestones on the critical path towards prototype demonstrators
• Keep abreast of advancements in the field by regularly reviewing academic literature and attending conferences. Apply emerging scientific knowledge to initiate new research directions
• Help specify and design the cell technology
• Accountable for the execution, close follow-up, and implementation of the technical roadmap - detailing goals and objectives
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously including establishing timelines, allocating resources and overseeing project milestones. Provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders on project progress
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that promotes innovation, transparency and scientific excellence
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by identifying, developing and documenting intellectual property

Skills personality and experience

We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual with a hands-on approach to work - a creative problem solver who is motivated and passionate about the profession, and who thrives in a high-tech and multicultural environment. 

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials chemistry, electrochemistry or polymer chemistry
• Experience with Li metal, solid-state technology is essential
• 7+ years of experience in an industrial battery environment (battery manufacturing, battery material or components production, battery start-up…)
• Proven experience in leading and managing scientific research projects from conception to completion, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
• Experience in battery or electrochemical cell design is advantageous

Other considerations

• Proven ability to lead data-driven decision-making
• Strong planning skills with the ability to adapt the plan quickly
• Provide adequate reporting of team activities within the scope of technology development
• Results-driven and able to deliver quality output within stringent deadlines
• The ability to thrive in a high-tech and ambitious environment where teamwork is key
• Flexible and able to respond to rapidly changing circumstances
• Fluent in English (written and oral)
• Based in Belgium or willing to relocate

The opportunity

We offer you the opportunity to develop next-generation all-solid-state lithium batteries in a challenging environment. In doing so, you will take on a crucial role within our talented, passionate and multicultural team. You will have the opportunity to help build a company that will have a major global social impact.

SOLiTHOR not only offers you access to top-class equipment and laboratory facilities, but also a competitive salary package with the following benefits:

• Contract of indeterminate duration (40h/week, 12 additional holidays)
• Company car
• Meal vouchers worth €8/working day
• Hospitalisation insurance
• Group insurance
• Home office compensation

Location 

You will be based in Sint-Truiden, surrounded by like-minded, inspiring people.