Project Chemist

About Umicore

Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new life to used metals. As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for a better life.

About Umicore Battery Materials

We are all on the move. Umicore’s rechargeable battery materials give people autonomy and connectivity. We are a pioneer in battery materials that give added range and performance to electric vehicles. Our materials also ensure longer battery life for portable electronics. To enable our customers to produce even better performing batteries we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

What you will be doing 

As a Project Chemist Technisch in the Manufacturing Science and Technology team in Battery Cathode Materials Umicore, you will contribute to the development and optimization of process technologies used in the production of cathode active materials.

Within a global team, you will generate knowledge and expertise to assess potential changes to the process technologies currently used in BCM, to improve the understanding of such technologies and support their optimization. You will be directly involved with research experiments, analysis of the results and reporting within a project team. Additionally, you will align methods with the corresponding analytical and research teams, or if needed improve the existing ones or develop new methods. You will carry out research tasks and adjust in function of the priorities of the research assignments.

Responsibilities:

• You plan, oversee, and execute materials processing and characterization experiments. You define priorities between the different tasks, in close collaboration with the project leader/team.

• Perform experiments and suggest condition changes based on observations and analytical results.
• You take initiative – in case of irregularities or problems – to develop workable solutions.
• You collaborate within and across technology domains also in cross-functional projects.
• Gather, present, and interpret analytical data, and communicate results to the project team.
• You install and maintain operating procedures for a safe and efficient workplace.
• You participate in hazard evaluations to establish safety, health, and environmental procedures.
• You travel to suppliers and R&D contacts.

Who are we looking for: 

• Educational Background: Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s with proven experience) in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or related fields. 

• Skills: Proficient in materials synthesis (wet and dry routes) and characterization techniques (XRD, BET, PSD, TGA, DSC, SEM, ICP). 

• Communication: Strong written and verbal skills to explain technical decisions based on data. 

• Execution: Ability to execute experimental plans and meet objectives within timelines. 

• Organization and Analysis: Solid skills in data management, analysis, and results presentation. 

• Multitasking and Planning: Strong abilities in multitasking and planning. 

• Language: Good oral and written knowledge of English; Dutch is a plus. 

• Teamwork: Enjoys working within a team and fosters collaboration. 

• Work Style: Ordered, accurate, creative, and problem-solving mindset. 

• Independence: Ability to perform experiments independently. 

• Travel: Willingness to travel to follow up tests (suppliers, external partners or other BM sites). 

What we offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?