Corrosion & Coatings Scientist

Corrosion & Coatings Scientist

Oxford

Full-time

Permanent employee

At Electrogenos, we’re building technology to make green hydrogen competitive  focus on reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen production so it can replace fossil-based alternatives across real-world applications. We’re an early‑stage team working at the intersection of electrochemistry, manufacturing, and deployment.

We are looking for a Corrosion & Coatings Scientist to lead experimental work on materials durability, protective coatings, and corrosion behaviour in electrochemical environments. This role sits at the intersection of corrosion science, functional electroplating, and electrochemical characterisation.

You will bring deep knowledge of multi‑layer nickel coating systems—including triplex nickel, electroless Ni‑P, and Ni/Cr architectures—and apply that expertise to electrode and component protection strategies for alkaline water electrolysis systems.

You will design and run corrosion testing programmes, use Pourbaix diagrams and Tafel analysis to understand thermodynamic and kinetic corrosion behaviour, and contribute directly to electroplating‑based fabrication processes at the core of our technology.

• Investigate corrosion and degradation mechanisms in alkaline electrochemical environments
• Design, develop, and optimise multi‑layer nickel coating systems for corrosion protection and functional performance
• Characterise electrochemical activity relationships between coating layers, including potential differences across semi‑bright, bright, and microporous nickel deposits
• Apply Pourbaix diagram analysis to predict thermodynamic stability and corrosion domains
• Perform Tafel extrapolation and corrosion kinetics analysis to quantify corrosion rates
• Design and carry out accelerated corrosion and durability testing including STEP testing, salt spray, and immersion methods
• Perform electrochemical measurements: LPR, Tafel, EIS, CV
• Support electroplating‑based catalyst and electrode fabrication
• Characterise materials using SEM/EDS, optical microscopy, and cross‑sectional analysis
• Document results and communicate findings through technical reports

• MSc or PhD in Corrosion Science, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Surface Engineering, or related discipline
• Knowledge of multi‑layer nickel coating systems and their corrosion protection mechanisms
• Proficiency in Pourbaix diagram interpretation and Tafel kinetics analysis
• Experience with electrochemical measurement techniques (EIS, CV, Tafel, LPR)
• Experience with accelerated corrosion testing methods
• Laboratory‑based experimental research experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

• Hands‑on experience with electroplating processes (Watts, sulfamate, or electroless nickel baths)
• Experience with STEP testing and multi‑layer coating potential relationships
• Experience with materials and coatings in concentrated alkaline environments (KOH, NaOH)
• Materials characterisation: SEM/EDS, XRF, profilometry
• Knowledge of hydrogen technologies or water electrolysis
• Experience in industrial R&D, national laboratory, or Catapult centre

You think in Pourbaix diagrams and Tafel slopes. You may be a few years past your PhD, having built depth in a postdoctoral or specialist R&D role, and are looking for a fast‑moving company where your expertise is the core technology, not a support function.

• Your expertise is our core technology — central, not peripheral
• Shape electrode protection strategy at a stage where design decisions still matter
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary team at the cutting edge of alkaline water electrolysis
• High ownership in an early‑stage deep‑tech company
• Competitive salary and benefits

Electrogenos is building technology to make green hydrogen competitive  focus on reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen production so it can replace fossil-based alternatives across real‑world applications.

We’re an early‑stage team working at the intersection of electrochemistry, manufacturing, and deployment. Our approach is practical by design: use scalable materials and processes, and validate performance through close collaboration with partners.

If you want to work on hard problems with real climate impact—and help take breakthrough technology from concept to deployment—join us.