9.1. R&D Analytical Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

About Phoenix Tailings  

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company—unlocking the materials required for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing while eliminating waste and emissions from mining. 

Why Phoenix Tailings  

At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. You’ll be joining a team building the  foundational infrastructure for the modern world , developing entirely new ways to produce rare earth and critical metals domestically, cleanly, and at scale. 

Our Values:   

● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong

● Lead with Compassion

● Be Resourceful

● Listen

● Hustle

Who We Are Looking For:  

Phoenix Tailings is looking for an R&D Analytical Chemist to help drive the analytical backbone of our clean metals production technology. This role is for someone who can operate with autonomy, think critically through complex sample questions, and bring creativity to the analysis of materials that are not always well defined. You will run both investigative and quality control analyses, support method development, and help generate the data that enables Phoenix Tailings to move faster, solve harder technical problems, and scale the production of critical metals for the modern world.  

• Operate analytical instrumentation with a high level of autonomy to support investigative analysis, quality control testing, and R&D process development. 
• Perform ICP-OES analysis to characterize process samples, raw materials, intermediates, and final products critical to Phoenix Tailings’ metals production work.  
• Analyze a variety of unknown or partially characterized samples, using sound scientific judgment to help identify composition, hazards, and appropriate next analytical steps. 
• Work closely with the Principal Analytical Scientist on complex analyses of high-priority samples that require critical thinking, method adaptation, and creative problem solving.  
• Support the development and refinement of analytical methods for safely identifying and characterizing potentially hazardous materials. 
• Conduct additional analytical work as needed, including gas analysis via FTIR and other techniques relevant to evolving R&D and production needs. 
• Generate clear, technically sound reports that communicate analytical findings, limitations, and recommendations to support rapid decision making.  
• Maintain safe laboratory practices when handling unknown, reactive, or potentially hazardous materials in a fast-moving R&D environment.  

• Bachelor’s or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields 
• 1- 5 of Experience working in a laboratory environment with hands-on analytical chemistry, R&D, quality control, or process support experience. 
• Experience with at least some of: ICP-OES / ICP-MS, XRF, PXRD, SEM-EDS, Wet chemistry and sample digestion, Analytical balances and laboratory QA/QC
• Ability to work independently with a variety of unknown or complex samples and apply scientific reasoning to determine appropriate analytical approaches. 
• Familiarity with analytical method development, validation, or adaptation for non-routine samples.  
• Experience handling chemical samples safely, including materials that may be hazardous, reactive, or not fully characterized.  
• Ability to write clear technical reports that translate analytical data into useful conclusions for scientists, engineers, and technical leaders. 
• Ability to take on evolving analytical responsibilities as the lab and company scale, including FTIR gas analysis and other instrumentation as needed.  
• Must be able to wear a respirator for extended periods of time and lift up to 30 lbs. 

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $70,000- $90,000 total cash compensation plus equity

• Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 
• Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career. 

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline). 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.