Group Leader, Coatings Energy Devices; F​/M​/D

Our Coatings for Energy Devices group develops innovative materials, processes and industrial solutions for next‑generation batteries and functional surfaces. The group combines applied research, scale‑up and strong partnerships with Swiss and European industrial players to accelerate impact. The group exists within the Sustainable Energy business unit, whose mission is to deliver industrially‑relevant solutions to customers, faster.

The position is based in Neuchâtel.

Reporting to the BU Leader, your mission is to lead a high‑performing battery and coatings materials group (electrodes, electrolytes), with strong research excellence, clear market alignment and durable industrial impact.

• Lead, manage, and (when needed) build a high‑performance team with strong industrially‑relevant applied research excellence, infrastructure and safety support, and grant‑writing excellence.
• Work with the business developer to shape a market‑aligned strategy that generates a portfolio of public and industry projects, IP and measurable industrial impact.
• Translate this strategy into a durable financial foundation for the group through industry‑funded and public projects; existing grant‑writing experience and an industry network are strong differentiators.
• Improve research efficiency by directing investments in automation and ML/AI to accelerate learning rates; prior experience is a plus, and on‑the‑job support from internal experts is available.
• Contribute to a positive working environment by engaging constructively with other teams across CSEM and with external partners.

• Ph.D. in a relevant field is required, or an outstanding reputation in battery research.
• Strong expertise in battery materials, with the credibility to lead both scientific direction and industrial relevance.
• Proven experience acquiring and managing industry and public projects in batteries; related coatings technologies is a strong differentiator.
• Demonstrated success building high‑performance teams, developing talent and creating a culture of excellence.
• Experience using automation and ML/AI tools to accelerate learning cycles and R&D performance is a strong differentiator; this can also be developed on the job.

• Curious and hands‑on, you possess excellent communication, strategy, and negotiation skills.
• You leverage the full potential of your team, providing a structured and positive operational environment.
• You excel in identifying research and market trends, and define core capability roadmaps to meet them.
• You thirst for solving industry problems and translating research findings into real‑world impact.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French and German is a strong differentiator.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.