Asst. Manager - New Materials & Testing

Purpose of this Role To lead research and innovation in materials used for lead-acid battery systems, focusing on active materials, grid alloys, expanders, and separators. The role aims to enhance battery performance, manufacturability, and reliability through material science-driven solutions. Brief Description of Role & Responsibilities (envisage current & future needs) Initiating and executing advanced research projects on materials used in lead-acid batteries, focusing on novel lead oxides, grid alloys, separators, and sustainable alternatives. Exploring and developing next-generation materials to enhance electrochemical performance, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability of lead-acid batteries. Investigating fundamental material behavior through structure property performance studies using high-resolution analytical techniques such as SEM-EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC, and ICP-OES. Designing research protocols and hypothesis-driven experiments to evaluate the effects of material modifications on battery kinetics, failure mechanisms, and ageing patterns Conceptualising and validating innovative additives, surface treatments improvements to product performance Generating high-quality research reports, white papers, and patents aligned with strategic innovation roadmaps Building external research partnerships with academic institutions and technology collaborators to drive innovation. Identifying gaps in current lead-acid battery knowledge and initiating long-term research programs Age required to perform this role Minimum Desirable 28 years 35 years Years of experience Required for this role Minimum Desirable 0-1 years 2 3 years post-PhD or industrial research experience Educational Qualifications Vital Desirable PhD in Materials Science PhD focused on energy storage, lead-based materials, Nature of Experience Needed for the Position Vital Desirable Hands-on experience in material development and characterization Application of material knowledge in lead-acid or other battery chemistries Skills / Competencies Needed for the Position Vital Desirable Microstructure analysis (SEM, XRD), Knowledge of battery & failure modes Scientific reporting, Alloy design, Surface engineering Data analysis DOE & statistical analysis material formulation, Thermal and compositional analysis, Personal Characteristics Needed for the Position Vital Desirable Analytical thinker Self-motivated Detail-oriented Result-focused Research-driven Open to learning & experimentation Collaborative Target Companies/Industry sectors Battery Manufacturing and R&D Companies Materials Science R&D Centers Specialty Chemical & Additive Suppliers Academic/Industrial Research Labs in Electrochemical Energy Storage