Marcel Balcik

Background

About Marcel Balcik

Senior Scientist @ Cambridge | PhD in Chemical EngineeringI'm a chemical engineer with a background in materials science and a focus on polymer membranes, gas separation and energy storage materials. Over the past decade, I’ve worked at the interface of simulation and experimentation, applying molecular modeling, machine learning, process simulation and hands-on lab work to understand and improve material behavior.Currently, I’m part of a team at Superdielectrics Ltd, where I contribute to the development of materials used in energy storage systems. My work involves running simulations, designing and conducting validation experiments and collaborating closely with experimental scientists.Before this, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at KAUST, where I worked on membrane technologies for gas and liquid separations. While I mainly provided simulation work for the experimental group, I also had the opportunity to help design and build a lab-scale gas permeation system and to work on membrane testing and characterization techniques.My experience spans a range of tools and methods, DFT, molecular dynamics, process simulation and machine learning. I’ve used these approaches to study polymers, crystalline materials, and hybrid systems. I’ve also been involved in mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, and supporting research projects through proposal writing and data analysis.I’m especially interested in combining digital tools with experimental workflows to support more efficient material design, and in working with others to tackle practical challenges in clean energy and separation technologies.