Head of Analytical Characterisation, Material and Supply Chain Validation

As a part of Agratas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, you will be involved in designing, developing, and manufacturing high-quality, high-performance, sustainable batteries for various applications in the mobility and energy sectors, tailored to meet the needs of our customers. Agratas operates as a scale-up business with a start-up mindset, dedicated to green growth and technological advancement, innovating next-generation battery technologies at cutting-edge R&D Innovation Hubs in India and the UK. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the analytical characterization strategy for materials, electrodes, electrolytes, and interfaces to ensure high-performance and reliable Li-ion cells. - Develop and implement advanced characterization methodologies such as spectroscopy, chromatography, electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. - Oversee material validation and qualification processes to ensure alignment with cell development, supply chain sustainability, and regulatory compliance. - Drive the evaluation of raw materials, cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes for next-generation battery technologies. - Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, and industrialization teams to integrate material insights into cell design and manufacturing. - Engage with external suppliers, academia, and research institutions to remain at the forefront of material innovation and validation techniques. - Establish quality and consistency benchmarks for materials in alignment with industry standards and customer expectations. - Support failure analysis, forensic investigations, and root cause identification for material and cell-related issues. - Contribute to supply chain risk assessment and validation to ensure robust material sourcing strategies. - Lead and mentor a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a high-performance culture in analytical science and material validation. Qualifications Required: - Proficiency in analytical characterisation techniques like XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, Raman, FTIR, TGA, DSC, ICP-MS, GC-MS. - Strong understanding of Li-ion battery materials, chemistry, and degradation mechanisms. - Experience in material validation, quality control, and supply chain qualification for battery components. - Knowledge of regulatory and industry standards for battery materials and safety compliance. - Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain functions. - Strong problem-solving skills and ability to translate analytical insights into actionable improvements. - Excellent leadership, communication, and project management abilities. This role is suitable for an experienced analytical characterisation expert with a Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, a proven background in Li-ion battery R&D, and strong leadership skills to drive innovative solutions and team performance.,