Senior Expert Battery Materials

As a top European research center with 1,300 employees, VITO translates scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. Our mission is clear: to create a sustainable and promising future for our world. Join us in making this vision a reality!

Our Coating and Shaping Technologies (CAST)-team leads the development of next-generation materials through innovative smart shaping and surface modification techniques. By leveraging cutting-edge platforms like 3D printing, microsphere synthesis, and surface modification technologies, VITO creates hierarchically structured materials that push the boundaries of performance, functionality, and sustainability, contributing to sustainable industrial production across various sectors.

As a Senior Expert in Battery Materials, you will play a pivotal role in advancing material solutions for sustainable energy storage to power the future. With a strong electrochemical background, you will contribute to the development of new materials and processes for next-generation batteries, focusing on advanced Li-ion and post Li-ion chemistries (Gen4 – Gen5). The primary goal is to enhance battery performance while reducing costs and minimizing the use of critical raw materials. Your work will drive innovation in electrode materials, supporting our mission to achieve sustainable energy solutions.

Your role

• Innovate with technology: Develop new battery materials by using innovative surface and coating technologies and powder processing techniques. Contribute to the design and synthesis of anode and cathode materials, the analysis of their electrochemical behavior, and the evaluation of their performance in cells.

• Collaborate globally: Lead and participate in high-profile international research projects with top industrial and academic partners, expanding your expertise and network.

• Translate ideas into impact: Bridge theoretical concepts with practical, economically viable solutions tailored for industrial applications.  Contribute to VITO’s roadmap on Materials for Batteries.

• Drive scientific progress: Develop patentable ideas and publish your groundbreaking research in leading scientific journals.

• Present globally: Represent VITO and your work at international conferences, positioning yourself as a thought leader in the field.

• Collaborate and grow: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, contribute to internal and external project reviews, and be responsible for the set up, execution and coordination of scientific research projects.

What you bring

• You have a PhD degree in Engineering or (Applied) Sciences (Materials, Chemistry, Physics).

• You have a strong basic knowledge of electrochemistry.

• You have a proven track record of at least 5 years in synthesis and processing of anode and cathode materials, to be used in Li-ion and post Li-ion batteries. You also have hands-on experience with battery cell assembly and troubleshooting.

• You have research experience, preferably in (industrial) R&D.

• You have strong communication skills.

• You have a strong network and a good knowledge of current trends in the battery field.

• You have a customer-oriented attitude and an eye for opportunities. You are defined by your entrepreneurial spirit and proactive initiative.

• You have excellent project management and organizational skills.

• You are a flexible team player who can also work independently.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ostend or Genk is possible.

• A competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a modular package of holidays.

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.

• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.