Electrochemist / Battery Engineer
Are you ready to drive change in the energy transition and make a positive impact on the climate? Join Unbound Potential (UP), a Swiss startup founded in 2023 by a group of passionate engineers, chemists, and economists from ETH Zürich.
We envision a resilient, electrified society, one that is independent not only from fossil fuels but also from critical mined materials such as lithium and vanadium. How will we achieve this? By developing a truly disruptive solution: a membrane-less redox flow battery powered exclusively by organic chemistry, suitable for both energy-intensive industries and utilities seeking affordable and sustainable storage options.
About the job:
We are seeking an experienced Battery Engineer with a strong passion for energy storage, system-level electrochemistry, and the real-world impact of their work. In this role, you will focus on developing testing protocols for our next-generation redox flow batteries. You will work closely with the engineering team responsible for designing the cells and system, translating electrochemical test results into robust KPI data sheet and actionable performance metrics.
This role is ideal for someone with strong foundation in fundamental electrochemistry and has hands-on experience in testing energy storage systems - from a single cell, to stacks/packs, and up to a full system level validation.
What you will do:
• Develop and conduct internal electrochemical testing protocols for the fundamental characterization of: electrolytes (including pre- and post-mortem analysis), electrodes or BPPs (including corrosion tests).
• Develop and execute testing protocols for a single cells and stacks, including studies on the influence of flow rate, current density, SOC, and capacity utilization.
• Develop and perform system-level testing protocols, including evaluation of RTE.
• Design and conduct long-term stability and accelerated aging tests, including the use of climatic chamber.
• Optimize operational conditions of membrane-less redox flow batteries to minimize self-discharge, and maximize CE and VE.
• Validate and execute testing protocols for SOC and SOH monitoring at the system level (including usage of the OCV cells and other electrochemical techniques).
What you will bring:
• Experience in energy storage system testing (RFB, Li-ion, FC).
• Degree (MSc or PhD) in Chemical Engineering/Material Science/Physics with a strong foundation in electrochemistry.
• Hands-on experience with potentiostat and data analysis using Python.
• Solution-oriented mindset with out-of-the-box thinking.
• Experience with good laboratory practices, physico-chemical characterization of electrolytes, and setting up flow-based test set-ups.
You are
• A maker, willing to take initiative, seek solutions, and deliver tasks efficiently.
• Motivated to work in a dynamic, high-performance, collaborative, young, and fun start-up environment.
• Strongly interested in the climate-tech space.
• Independent and detail-oriented.
• Passionate about driving the renewable energy transition.
• Excellent team player.
• Fluent in English.
Sounds like you?
Sounds like you? We are looking forward to meeting you! Send us your CV and Motivation Letter combined in a single PDF through the "Apply Now!" button below!
In your motivation letter, please place put an emphasis on your journey to become an Electrochemist/Battery Engineer. What motivates you to continue developing your career in battery technology and in a start-up environment. Additionally, please describe one electrochemical test you would use as a starting point to characterize our battery system - provide a brief description of the technique, experimental setup, and expected outcomes.
Unbound Potential does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Unbound Potential.
Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applicants who do not hold relevant experience are expected to explain their suitability for the position in the cover letter. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled.