Senior Scientist

Our client, a biomining startup focused on increasing copper recovery from low-grade sulfide ores via chemical additives. Is in search of a Geochemist SME to join the team in greater Bay Area, CA.

This Role will own mineral geochemistry workflows for copper/iron/sulfur systems, help run lab-to-pilot-scale column/heap experiments and modelling, and support delivering time-sensitive pilot deliverables with external partners.

First 3 months:

• Complete geochemical characterization for at least two ore types; finish small-scale high-throughput screening of current pilot project sample

6 months:

• Scale from high-throughput screening system successfully leads to lab-scale experiments

12 months :

• Successful transfer to pilot scale (larger lab metallurgical columns) with a partner

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead mineral geochemistry characterization of real-world ore samples across lab→pilot scales
• Specialize in (Cu-Fe-S) with particular focus on speciation
• Support with running high-throughput screening and lab column experiments; operate across lab and pilot setups
• Geochemical data analysis and modelling (translate results into process parameters)
• Liaise with cross-disciplinary internal team (biology, chemistry, process engineers) and external partners/clients; deliver projects on time
• Own hands-on lab execution with autonomy; prepare materials for pilots and field transfer
• Develop and apply a broad range of advanced analytical techniques (including ICP-OES, ion chromatography, microwave digestion, etc.)
• Interact directly with external partners, hydrometallurgy experts, and pilot clients
• Deliver projects on time in an industrial setting

MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE

• PhD + 2 years of industry experience or MS + 6 years of industry experience.
• Minimum 2 years delivering projects in an industrial/delivery setting (real world industry experience vs purely academic environments)real-world
• Demonstrable mineral geochemistry expertise (geology/ores/mining focus) — non-planetary geochemistry emphasis
• Technical depth in copper/iron/sulfur systems; sulfur speciation knowledge required
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques (ICP, ion chromatography, microwave digestion, speciation analysis, etc.)
• Proficiency with geochemical modelling software (Geochemist's Workbench)
• Strong cross-disciplinary communication; hands-on, proactive, able to operate autonomously in a small team
• Ability to work full-time onsite.