Senior Battery Scientist​/Engineer

Do you want to contribute to a more sustainable world? Are you excited to help shape the future of battery technology and consequently the future of consumer electronics and mobility? Can you not wait to dive into a VC-backed deep tech scale-up with the ambition to change the world?

We are looking for an energetic  Senior Battery Scientist  to join our innovative and ambitious organization.
About Leyden Jar
Leyden Jar is a high-tech company, developing pure silicon anodes for a lithium-ion battery that will change the world. We are proud that, here at Leyden Jar, we:
Boost Li-ion battery energy density by 70% by using 10x thinner anodes
Improved cycle life to 450
Achieved fast charging to 60% in under 10 min!
We are currently moving out of the R&D phase, and beginning the scaled-up production of anode foil. Leyden Jar Plant One will open in 2026.
Your mission

As  Senior Battery Scientist , you will lead projects and manage small teams towards rapid battery performance improvement using Leyden Jar's unique 100% silicon anode.
Your primary location will be Leiden. You are willing to travel on an incidental basis.
You will report to the Head of Battery. You will work especially closely with the Battery R&D team, the Battery Production Team, the Si R&D team, the Data Science Team, the Product Management Team, and the CTO.
In this versatile role, you will have a chance to develop yourself by leading and supporting the various projects of this fast-growing company.
You will be working on:
Leading a small team of highly-skilled scientists to accelerate materials development and characterization, and deepen fundamental understanding of Leyden Jar's 100% silicon anodes.
Project management and technical lead/advisor roles on short-term and long-term projects towards various customer application areas and improvement of cell performance metrics.
Characterization and optimization of cell chemistries including anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. Cell design and cell production process development. Liaising and managing relationships with new suppliers for lithium-ion cell components.
Conducting thorough failure mode/mechanism analysis using state-of-the-art methods, and developing new insightful methods (chemical, electrochemical, mechanical).
Providing insights regarding anode properties and their impacts on cell performance metrics, guiding future development.
Developing and optimizing formation protocols with demonstrable impact on cell performance metrics.
Supporting application engineers by providing guidelines of chemical and mechanical cell designs for specific cell performance requirements.

About you:

You have at least 5 years of industry experience after completing your MSc, or 3 years of industry experience after completing your PhD. Industry experience should be within the field of batteries or electrochemistry and related fields.
You have an exceptional understanding of lithium-ion technologies and electrochemistry. You have a well-developed understanding of cell failure mechanisms as impacted by materials design and processes.

Experience with silicon anodes or lithium metal anodes is a plus.
You have experience with pouch cell manufacture, formation processes, and battery cell testing conditions.
You have experience of using state-of-the-art instrumental analysis and electrochemical testing to elucidate failure modes and failure mechanisms in battery materials.
You are excited to mix your working day between desk work and experimental lab work. You understand that 'getting your hands dirty' is sometimes the fastest way to understand new processes and gain deep insights.
You have demonstrable experience of leading successful technical projects, coordinating multiple parties towards ambitious targets with tight deadlines.
You have demonstrable experience of line management of master's-/PhD-level scientists, providing coaching and guidance towards fulfilment of personal objectives and career development.
You are able to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment and act with a sense of urgency. You are able to rapidly generate solutions to problems and move quickly to validate those ideas.
You communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. You question everything and answer with data.
You have a strong customer focus.

Experience with Six Sigma is a plus.
You are fluent in English.

Why Leyden Jar?
Unleash your potential:
Dive into a realm where personal growth meets ownership, with the backing to achieve your career aspirations.
Benefits beyond the basics:
Enjoy a treasure trove of perks, from a comprehensive pension plan to travel reimbursement, insurance coverage, and even a mental health platform. And yes, there's fresh fruit every Monday because why not?
Work your way:
Embrace the freedom of flexible hours and hybrid working, complemented by a generous 25 vacation days annually.
Thirsty for Fun:
Join us every first Thursday for 'Thirsty Thursday,' where we unwind and share good vibes in a laid-back…