Senior Scientist - R&D

Location: Austin, Texas, United StatesEmployment: FULL_TIMEPosted: 2026-09-02Energy Exploration Technologies, Inc. (EnergyX) has a mission to become a worldwide leader in the global transition to sustainable energy. Founded in 2018, the company is fundamentally changing the way humanity is powering our world and storing clean energy with breakthrough lithium-ion technology and energy storage solutions.The RoleAs a Senior Scientist/Scientist, you will not only drive bench-scale discovery but also design experiments specifically to capture the thermodynamic, kinetic, and transport data required for industrial scale-up. You will be instrumental in the technology transfer phase, bridging the gap between the laboratory and pilot plant operations, and work closely with the engineering team for commercial development. You will also work closely with our membrane, solvent extraction, and adsorption Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) teams to ensure your processes integrate seamlessly into our broader technological ecosystem.Key ResponsibilitiesResearch, Development, & Scale-UpLead bench-scale experimental design and execution of new technologies for the separation of lithium salts from aqueous brines and/or waste tailings, optimizing for separation factor, yield, and chemical efficiency, with due consideration to the scalability of processes being investigated.Identify, collect, and analyze critical scale-up parameters (e.g., mass transfer coefficients, phase separation velocities, and thermodynamic limits) to model continuous pilot-scale operations.Serve as the primary technical liaison for Technology Transfer, working hand-in-hand with process engineering teams to transition batch/bench processes into continuous pilot operations (e.g., countercurrent mixer-settler cascades or centrifugal contactors, fixed-bed columns, simulated moving bed chromatography, continuous crystallizers).Troubleshoot and optimize pilot plant operations, directly applying fundamental physical chemistry to solve real-world hydrodynamic and scaling challenges.Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate extensively with adjacent R&D teams—including Solvent Extraction, Membrane Separation, and adsorption DLE technology groups to implement new technologies and processes seamlessly into the existing process flow sheets.Work with analytical teams to establish and validate highly accurate measurement protocols (e.g., ICP-MS) for tracking chemical purities.Leadership, Safety, & DocumentationChampion a culture of absolute laboratory safety, ensuring strict compliance with all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations, particularly concerning the handling of complex solvent systems, active metals, and strong acids/bases.Draft, review, and maintain rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and technology transfer packages.Clearly communicate complex technical findings, project bottlenecks, and milestone updates to leadership and non-technical stakeholders through comprehensive technical reports and presentations.Mentor and guide junior scientists and laboratory technicians, fostering an environment of scientific rigor, root-cause problem solving, and continuous learning.QualificationsEducation & ExperiencePh.D. in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Polymers, materials science or closely related discipline) or Chemical Engineering with a strong fundamental chemistry focus. Bachelors in ChemE with 5+ years of research and development experience will be considered.Post-doctoral or industry experience preferred. Experience working at a start up is highly prized. Proven track record of independent research through publications and patents.Deep fundamental understanding of separation science (e.g., solvent extraction, supramolecular host-guest chemistry, membranes, adsorbents, or ion exchange).Technical Skills & CompetenciesDemonstrated experience capturing and analyzing engineering data from bench experiments (e.g., reaction kinetics, phase equilibrium, thermodynamic modeling).Experience writing robust SOPs and comprehensive technology transfer documentation.Familiarity with the design of experiments (DoE) and comprehensive data analysisExceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex molecular concepts into actionable engineering parameters.Physical Requirements & Working ConditionsAbility to work in a laboratory environment, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods.Occasional travel to pilot plants or demonstration facilities may be required to oversee tech transfer and pilot commissioning.Benefits: Competitive pay Paid time-off, holidays, and sick time 401(k) with employer match Equity Package Medical, dental and vision benefits with employer contribution; voluntary benefits available Company-sponsored eventsEnergyX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with EnergyX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.