Battery Science & Innovation Intern

About the Role
TaiSan is developing next generation polymer electrolyte systems to enable Sodium Batteries 2.0 - targeting higher energy density, improved safety, and scalable manufacturing. We are looking for a Battery Science & Innovation Intern to support our R&D activities across materials research, cell development, analytics, modelling, and strategic technical initiatives. This internship provides hands on exposure to advanced battery research within a fast paced deep tech startup environment. The scope of the internship will be shaped based on the candidate's academic background, technical skills, and development goals. The final responsibilities will be confirmed with the Line Manager following evaluation of the candidate's profile.

You will work closely with the technical team and leadership to support experimental, analytical, modelling, or research driven activities that directly contribute to TaiSan's technology roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Battery Research & Literature Analysis
  • Review and summarize scientific literature across electrolytes, polymers, electrodes, degradation, and cell architectures.
  • Support structured literature database development.
  • Assist in benchmarking next generation battery materials and concepts.
  • Contribute to structured research notes and internal technical documentation.
  • Support preparation of technical summaries for internal or external use.
• Cell Building & Experimental Support (Engineering Track)
  • Assist in coin cell or pouch cell assembly under supervision.
  • Support electrolyte preparation and materials handling.
  • Conduct basic electrochemical testing (cycling, EIS, rate capability).
  • Collect, clean, and organize experimental data.
  • Assist in lab documentation and experimental record keeping.
  • Support safety and quality control procedures.
• Analytics & Data Processing
  • Analyze experimental datasets using OriginLab, Python, Excel, or equivalent tools.
  • Generate plots, reports, and structured summaries of results.
  • Support degradation analysis and performance benchmarking.
  • Assist in identifying trends across experimental runs.
  • Contribute to data organization systems for structured R&D tracking.
• Modelling & Computational Support (if applicable)
  • Support modelling activities (e.g., electrochemical modelling, COMSOL simulations, materials screening).
  • Assist in parameter collection from literature.
  • Help validate simulation assumptions against experimental conditions.
  • Contribute to structured documentation of modelling inputs and outputs.
  • Support exploratory AI driven materials analysis initiatives.
• Innovation & Non Engineering Activities
  • Assist with technical slide preparation for internal meetings.
  • Support Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data collection and sustainability benchmarking.
  • Contribute to cost modeling exercises.
  • Assist in drafting structured technical summaries.
  • Support preparation of technical content for investor materials.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions and structured innovation workshops.

Learning Outcomes

• Advanced sodium battery research and polymer electrolyte systems.
• Lab scale cell development and testing.
• Technical analytics and data driven R&D processes.
• Innovation strategy in deep tech startups.
• Structured scientific documentation and research rigor.
• Cross functional collaboration between science, engineering, and strategy.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed BSc, MSc, or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, or related field.
• Strong analytical thinking and structured approach to problem solving.
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while communicating clearly with the team.
• Interest in battery technologies and energy storage innovation.

Preferred

• Experience in battery labs or electrochemistry.
• Familiarity with polymers or electrolyte systems.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Python, OriginLab, MATLAB, Excel).
• Exposure to modelling tools (COMSOL or similar).
• Interest in sustainability, LCA, or cost modelling.
• Comfortable working in an early stage, high ownership startup environment.

Role Flexibility & Alignment

The exact scope of the internship will be defined based on the candidate's academic background, technical strengths, and career objectives. The final role structure and responsibilities will be confirmed with the Line Manager following review of the candidate's profile to ensure strong alignment with both TaiSan's R&D priorities and the intern's development goals.