Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Science & Research

Battery Scientist

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A battery scientist researches, develops, and tests battery technologies used in a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles to consumer electronics and renewable energy storage. The role typically involves working in laboratories, conducting experiments, analysing materials, and working with engineering teams to improve battery performance, safety, and sustainability. Battery scientists in the UK are at the forefront of the transition to clean energy, often collaborating with universities, automotive manufacturers, and energy companies. Key tasks can include developing new materials, enhancing energy density, reducing charging times, and increasing battery lifespan. This career requires strong analytical skills, a background in chemistry, materials science, or physics, and often a relevant postgraduate degree.

Battery Scientist

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Battery scientists in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £80,000.

Job Availability

There are an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 battery and energy storage-related research positions in the UK, with growing demand due to the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Industry Growth

The UK battery industry is projected to create 100,000 jobs by 2040, particularly in response to the government's net zero targets and investments in gigafactories.

🚀 Careers in this path

Lithium-ion Battery Researcher

Specialises in developing and improving lithium-ion batteries, focusing on increasing their efficiency, lifespan, and safety for applications such as electric vehicles and portable electronics.

Solid-state Battery Developer

Works on the research and creation of solid-state batteries, a next-generation technology aimed at providing safer and more energy-dense alternatives to conventional batteries.

Battery Materials Chemist

Focuses on researching new materials, such as advanced cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes, to improve the performance and sustainability of modern batteries.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Complete a Science or Engineering Undergraduate Degree

Pursue a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject such as Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Physics.

Most Battery Scientists have a strong background in scientific or engineering disciplines. Popular undergraduate degrees include Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, and Physics. These provide foundational knowledge of the principles involved in battery technology and energy storage systems. Consider selecting modules or projects that focus on electrochemistry or materials for energy applications.

Engage in Laboratory and Research Experience

Participate in laboratory classes and seek out research placements or internships relevant to batteries or electrochemistry.

Hands-on experience is crucial in this field. Look for summer internships at research institutions, universities, or companies specialising in battery technology. Many universities offer research projects for undergraduates, which can help you develop practical skills and build your CV. This experience will also help you decide which aspect of battery science interests you most.

Advance with Postgraduate Study

Pursue a Relevant Masters or PhD

Apply for a Masters or Doctoral programme focused on battery research, electrochemistry, or materials science.

Many Battery Scientists hold a Masters or PhD, as research roles in this field often require advanced qualifications. Postgraduate study allows you to specialise in areas such as lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, or novel energy storage materials. Seek out universities with active research groups in battery technology and consider collaborating with industry partners for your research project.

Publish and Present Research

Share your findings through scientific publications and presentations at conferences.

Publishing your research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences helps build your professional reputation and demonstrates your expertise in the field. It also allows you to network with other scientists and stay up to date with the latest developments in battery technology.

Enter the Battery Industry or Academia

Apply for Battery Scientist Roles

Look for job opportunities in companies, research institutes, or universities working on battery or energy storage technologies.

Battery Scientists are employed in sectors such as automotive, consumer electronics, renewable energy, and research organisations. Typical employers include large technology companies, battery manufacturers, start-ups, and academic research groups. Roles may focus on research and development, product testing, or scaling up new battery technologies.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with advancements in battery science and seek out professional training or memberships.

The field of battery science evolves rapidly, so ongoing learning is essential. Attend workshops, take online courses, and consider joining professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry or the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. These organisations offer networking opportunities, training, and resources to support your career progression.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Engineering Technician Apprentice

THURSTON ENGINEERING LTD

( Added 22 Feb 2024 - 2 positions available )

A great opportunity to join the team and learn the day-to-day processes of a busy engineering workshop. Working alongside skilled engineers you will progress to be conversant with all processes and machinery. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to become a valuable player in this specialist world learning valuable skills.

Closing date: in 29 days

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 96 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme means accelerating your training and development within one of our most elite teams. You’ll be fast-tracked to real responsibility, getting your hands on some of the most advanced kit on the planet, and guaranteeing your warship’s performance as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Battery Scientist's work involves understanding and developing new materials for energy storage, which aligns closely with the role of a Materials engineer. Both careers require knowledge of material properties, synthesis, and application in technological contexts, particularly in the development of innovative components and systems.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, like:

  • materials engineering
  • materials science or technology
  • applied chemistry
  • applied physics

You could also take a degree course specialising in one group of materials or their commercial use, for example:

  • metallurgy
  • biomaterials
  • polymer science
  • sports engineering

If you have a related degree, for example, structural engineering, you may be able to take a postgraduate course in materials science and engineering.

You can search for materials science and engineering courses, accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, on the Engineering Council website.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a degree apprenticeship to begin your materials engineering career. Examples include:

  • Materials Science Technologist Level 6
  • Space Systems Engineer Level 6
  • Materials Process Engineer Level 7

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Career tips

Choosing to do an accredited course or a degree apprenticeship can help towards registration for incorporated or chartered engineer status with a professional body. This is a way to demonstrate your professional competence and expertise as your career progresses.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in materials science and engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.