Technical Research Technician – Conductive Battery Materials
Energy Storage | Battery Materials R&D
Location: Ghislenghien, Belgium (onsite)
Contract: Indefinite-term
Work Authorisation: EU citizens only
The Opportunity: We are seeking a Technical Research Technician to join a growing battery materials and energy storage R&D team based in Ghislenghien. This is a hands-on, laboratory-focused role supporting the development of conductive additives and active materials for lithium-ion batteries and next-generation energy storage applications.
You will work within a small, highly technical innovation environment where your experimental work directly contributes to product development and scale-up decisions.
About the Environment: You will be part of a dedicated innovation centre supporting advanced battery materials development, including conductive carbons and silicon-based materials for EV and industrial energy storage applications. The team operates in a collaborative, applied R&D setting, bridging laboratory research and industrial deployment.
The role sits within the wider R&D ecosystem and its battery-focused joint venture, both part of a global materials group with strong long-term investment in energy transition technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
Battery Fabrication & Testing:
* Assemble and test lab-scale lithium-ion cells (e.g. coin cells; pouch exposure beneficial)
* Support electrode preparation, slurry formulation, coating and drying activities
Data Generation & Analysis:
* Generate, document and interpret physical and electrochemical performance data
* Ensure experimental results are reliable, traceable and decision-ready for R&D teams
Materials & Formulation Support:
* Assist in the development and optimisation of conductive additives and battery formulations across multiple chemistries
Laboratory Operations:
* Operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment
* Support installation, setup and commissioning of new testing tools and capabilities
Inventory, Compliance & Safety:
* Manage laboratory consumables and chemicals
* Follow SOPs and maintain a safe, well-organised laboratory environment
* Work confidently with hazardous materials, including powders, nano-materials and chemical reagents
Required Background & Skills:
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science
* A Master's degree (MSc or MTech) in Electrochemistry or Materials Science is highly preferred
Technical Experience:
* Hands-on experience in an R&D laboratory environment
* Practical exposure to lithium-ion batteries or battery materials (academic or industrial)
* Experience working in controlled atmospheres (e.g. glovebox)
* Familiarity with handling hazardous chemicals (powders, nano-powders, organics, acids/bases)
Characterisation & Testing:
* Experience with some of the following techniques is expected:
o Conductivity measurements
o BET surface area
o TGA
o Oil absorption number (OAN)
o Pycnometry
o Particle size analysis
o Electrochemical testing methods
(Depth in all techniques is not required; training will be provided where needed.)
Nice to Have:
* Prior experience fabricating lithium-ion cells in an industrial or applied research setting
* Exposure to EV battery materials, conductive carbons or silicon-based anodes
* Familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN), LIMS or structured data capture
* Basic understanding of experimental design or statistical analysis
What's on Offer:
* Indefinite-term employment contract
* Competitive benefits package including:
o Meal vouchers
o Yearly bonus
o 13th month & paid holidays
o Phone & subscription
o Hospitalisation insurance
o Pension scheme
Who This Role Is For:
This position is ideal for an early-career battery or materials scientist who wants to:
* Build hands-on industry experience in battery R&D
* Work closely with experienced scientists and engineers
* See their laboratory work directly influence real products and applications
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV highlighting:
* Relevant education
* Hands-on battery or materials research experience
* Laboratory techniques and equipment exposure
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions are encouraged.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Contact: Elvis Eckardt