Scientist/Engineer: Fuel Cell Catalyst R&D

About the role

The incumbent will join Mintek’s research team to develop platinum‑group‑metal (PGM) electrocatalysts for PEM fuel‑cell and electrolyser applications. The role involves both laboratory development and pilot‑scale production, supporting the company’s hydrogen technology portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Design and synthesize electrocatalysts for PEM electrolyser and fuel‑cell use.
• Perform electrochemical and physicochemical characterisation of catalysts.
• Collaborate with the Fuel Cell manufacturing team to pilot‑produce MEAs using HySA catalysts.
• Evaluate MEAs in single cells and stacks following industry protocols.
• Prepare intellectual‑property declarations for NIPMO.
• Write technical reports, papers and conference presentations.
• Ensure projects meet schedule, budget and SHEQ requirements.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team technical decisions.

Required profile

• Minimum MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering; PhD preferred.
• At least two years’ experience with PEMFC/PEMWE electrocatalysts or three years in heterogeneous catalysis.
• Experience in scale‑up of heterogeneous catalysts and familiarity with SHEQ systems.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications and ability to form research collaborations.
• Strong communication, presentation and organisational skills.

Required skills

• PGM electrocatalyst development
• Heterogeneous catalysis
• Electrochemical analysis
• Physicochemical characterisation
• MEA fabrication and testing
• Scale‑up of catalyst processes
• SHEQ compliance
• Technical report writing