Head of R&D

We are currently working with an exciting start-up company based in Cambridge that is working on bringing to market a high-density, low-cost energy storage application. As the company continues to grow with recent funding secured, they are now looking to recruit their next Head of R&D - with the ambition to naturally grow into a CTO function in the near future.

The Head of R&D is a strategically important role to the company, where you will manage R&D activity, drive forward innovation and help steer the expansion of the team's resources. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD level qualification coupled with chartership in engineering or chemistry. You will possess a wealth of experience in an R&D management role - preferably working for an SME/start-up or innovation division of a larger business along with a strong background developing energy storage technologies.

Head of R&D responsibilities

• Manage the R&D activity of the company, which currently comprises a research team of mostly postdoctoral scientists and a development team of engineers, supported by laboratory technicians.
• Drive forward the technology development process (including cell fabrication, stack optimisation, prototype development, technology demonstration, field trials and product development).
• Align and co-ordinate R&D innovations with the company's business goals.
• Help steer the expansion of the staff resource and the technical facilities to meet the company's future objectives.

Head of R&D requirements

• PhD level qualification in an Engineering or Chemistry related field of study.
• Chartership in Engineering or Chemistry is preferred.
• Well established management expertise in one of the following: electrochemical systems, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering.
• Extensive experience working in an innovative R&D environment - developing energy storage technologies.
• Experience leading and motivating an R&D team - ideally from an SME/start-up environment or innovation division of a larger business.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability present findings to investors, partners and potential customers.

The company is willing to compensate the right candidate with a very competitive salary coupled with the unique opportunity to progress into a CTO role in the future as the company continues to grow.

Head of R&D/Energy Storage/Batteries/Fuel Cells/Supercapacitors/CTO/Innovation