Team Leader - Recycling Unit

Location: Belgium (Ninove and Dour)

Department: EONET – Recycling

Job Summary:

The candidate will spearhead research efforts aimed at developing cutting-edge recycling processes for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, with a focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) based cathodes. This role involves leading a team of researchers and engineers in designing innovative methods for recovering valuable materials from battery waste while optimizing efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Team Leader will collaborate across departments to bring new recycling technologies from concept to commercial scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Guide and manage the R&D team dedicated to battery recycling projects, setting goals, providing mentorship, and ensuring the successful execution of projects.
• Innovative Process Development: Lead the design and development of advanced recycling techniques for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, with a special focus on LFP-based cathodes.
• Project Planning and Execution: Develop project plans, allocate resources, and manage timelines and budgets to ensure timely project completion.
• Experimental Research: Oversee lab-scale and pilot-scale research activities, including chemical and mechanical processes for battery disassembly, material extraction, and purification.
• Material Recovery Optimization: Focus on maximizing the recovery rate of critical materials such as lithium, iron, and phosphate, while reducing environmental impact and costs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with other departments, including engineering, manufacturing, and environmental compliance, to translate R&D findings into practical and scalable recycling solutions.
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all R&D activities comply with safety standards and environmental regulations specific to battery recycling.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze research data, generate technical reports, and present findings to stakeholders. Recommend process improvements and new technology adoption based on research results.
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed on industry advancements, emerging recycling technologies, and battery chemistry trends, particularly related to lithium-ion and solid-state batteries.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in battery recycling, materials recovery, or battery R&D, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
  • Extensive knowledge of lithium-ion and solid-state battery chemistries, particularly LFP-based cathodes.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and project management skills.
  • Expertise in battery materials, recycling processes, and chemical extraction techniques.
  • Familiarity with lab-scale experimentation, pilot-scale testing, and process scale-up.
  • Ability to work with complex data and present findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis.
  • Experience with process modeling software and data analysis tools.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily conducted in laboratory and pilot-scale facilities, with potential exposure to chemicals, dust, and high temperatures.
• Occasional travel may be required for conferences, technical meetings, or collaboration with industry partners.

What We Offer

• A permanent contract, full-time position (38hrs/week)
• Pension plan and hospitalization insurance (for medical support in hospitals)
• Possibility of 1 day of teleworking per week
• 100% commuting reimbursement
• Meal vouchers for every worked day
• Career advancement opportunities
• Delicious coffee and chocolate milk with the kindest colleagues

If you are looking for a collaborative and caring team environment with a strong focus on learning and development as well as recognition for individual contributions and working with a multi-cultural, diverse and complementary team, please submit your application.