Principle Scientist - Dispersion

Principal Application Scientist – Dispersion Platforms
Reports to: Director of Innovation Energy Systems (Germany)

Purpose of the Position
The Principal Application Scientist – Dispersion Platforms is the global technical authority for dispersion and formulation technologies within Energy Systems and adjacent application fields. Initially anchored in battery applications (slurry formulation, rheology, coating behavior), the role is designed to expand into polymers, coatings, and other advanced material systems.

Responsibilities

1. Define, develop, and maintain state-of-the-art dispersion platforms covering formulation, processing, and characterization methodologies.
2. Establish scalable, industry-representative test methods linking dispersion behavior to application performance.
3. Act as platform owner for dispersion-related knowledge, standards, equipment strategies, and best practices across the laboratories.
4. Lead technical alignment and collaboration between Shanghai and global laboratories to ensure data consistency and accelerated learning.
5. Translate application-specific insights (starting with batteries) into transferable dispersion know-how applicable across multiple markets.
6. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and equipment developments related to dispersion, formulation, and conductive additive systems.
7. Provide technical input to Process Engineering teams to support new product innovation.
8. Represent APAC within the global Innovation network, ensuring alignment, visibility, and integration of regional priorities.
9. Lead and contribute to internal and external innovation projects related to dispersion and formulation technologies.
10. Support laboratory automation and cloud-based platform (LIMS, ELN & AI) implementation to accelerate experimentation and data analysis.
11. Prepare and review technical reports, SOPs, work instructions, and test standards.
12. Maintain and develop active collaborations with universities, research institutes, equipment suppliers, and technology partners.
13. Provide technical support to technical marketing and sales teams, enabling a consultative selling approach.
14. Represent The Company as a technical authority during customer visits, audits, conferences, and technical workshops.
15. Work in compliance with all safety rules, PPE requirements, and local regulations when handling hazardous materials.

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent industrial experience may substitute formal academic qualifications.

• 8–15+ years of extensive industrial experience in dispersion, formulation, or application development, with battery materials as a significant component.
• Demonstrated ability to scale laboratory dispersion methods toward industrially relevant processes.
• Experience working in cross-functional, multi-site, and international environments.
• Battery industry experience is strongly preferred; exposure to polymers, coatings, or adjacent fields is a clear asset.
• High level of autonomy demonstrated through leadership of complex technical projects from concept to implementation.

• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Standard office tools proficiency.
• Advanced data analysis capabilities: familiarity with LIMS, ELN, MATLAB, Origin, or equivalent is a strong advantage.

• Natural technical leadership without direct line management responsibilities.
• Ability to influence innovation direction, application strategy, and sales through technical expertise and credibility.
• Mentor and reference expert for dispersion-related topics within the organization.

• Orientation across the Laboratories to understand processes and build on existing knowledge.
• Regular travel and on-site presence expected.
• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals and materials in full compliance with safety regulations.

• Global Innovation and Application Teams
• Process Engineering and Product Development
• Technical Marketing and Sales Teams
• Senior Leadership Team
• External partners, suppliers, and customers