Chemical Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chemical Technician I

Location: Naperville, IL 60563

Contract Duration: 12 Months

Pay Rate: $19 - 22.50/hr.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Chemical Technician I to conduct chemical and physical laboratory testing and support research and development activities. The technician will work closely with scientists on projects involving mineral scale control, mineral flotation, and analysis of mineral samples.

Job Responsibilities:

Work closely with scientists to support research projects related to mineral scale control and mineral flotation.

• Perform mineral precipitation tests, including calculating and preparing dilutions, setting up and running reactions, and analyzing solutions using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA).
• Prepare and analyze mineral samples by grinding ore, pressing pellets, performing gravimetric analysis, and running X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
• Communicate clearly with scientists to understand project tasks, explain results, and plan work schedules.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for moderately complex but routine laboratory tasks and instrumentation.
• Make observations during laboratory work and promptly report potential issues to scientists.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and proper waste disposal procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory spaces and equipment and restock supplies as needed.
• Use digital tools to organize, tabulate, and plot data, document experimental results, and prepare reports for scientists.

Required Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with strong observational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Comfortable asking questions and sharing observations or opinions.
• Basic knowledge of chemical composition, structure, properties, and chemical processes and transformations.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and manage an experiment schedule.
• Eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to a dynamic laboratory environment.

Education & Experience:

• Associate's degree in Applied Science or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field preferred.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience.
• At least one year of experience working in a chemistry or microbiology laboratory.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with one or more of the following analytical instruments or spectroscopy techniques:

• XRF
• XRD
• ICP
• IC
• AA
• IR/FTIR
• UV/Vis
• Turbidity
• Colorimetry
• HPLC
• GC
• MS
• NMR

Experience with one or more of the following wet chemical methods:

• Titrations
• Acid digestion
• Gravimetric analysis
• Chromatography
• Electrochemistry