2.2. Materials Scientist

**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, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.

**Why Phoenix Tailings**

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.

**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**:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Materials Scientist to become an integral part of our innovative team dedicated to critical material separation processes in the lab. Your primary focus will involve advancing our methodologies for extracting, separating, and refining iron, rare earths and other critical materials through meticulous experimentation and optimization. You'll be at the forefront of selecting, analyzing, and refining materials used in our processes, ensuring they meet the stringent demands of efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability. Join us in our mission to revolutionize resource production for clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Lead research initiatives focused on the development, testing, and characterization of materials tailored for high-temperature metals production, specializing in metal casting and post-processing techniques to optimize performance.
- Execute comprehensive materials testing under simulated production conditions, meticulously evaluating durability, longevity, and recyclability.
- Refine and innovate metal production processes through meticulous material selection, with a keen emphasis on recyclability considerations.
- Conduct detailed analysis of equipment specifications, material compatibility, and process parameters to inform strategic materials selection and recycling strategies.
- Spearhead the integration of cutting-edge materials solutions into both existing and upcoming production systems, driving advancements in performance and efficiency.
- Identify emerging trends, potential obstacles, and opportunities for advancement, producing comprehensive experimental reports and analytical findings.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with teams comprising chemical engineers, metallurgists, process technicians, and research personnel to seamlessly integrate innovative material solutions.
- Methodically document all phases of materials development endeavors, crafting detailed technical reports, and effectively disseminating findings to stakeholders.
- Remain at the forefront of materials technology trends and advancements relevant to critical metals production, contributing to ongoing research and innovation efforts.

**Qualifications**:

- Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, with a focus on inorganic chemistry and expertise in rare earth metal extraction techniques, including solvent extraction, ion exchange, and liquid-liquid separation processes.
- 2+ years experience in metallurgical engineering within metals production or related sector
- Proficiency in materials characterization tools such as Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).
- Strong analytical skills for data analysis, utilizing tools like statistical software and data visualization techniques.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Thrives in fast-paced environments, demonstrating adaptability and efficiency in meeting project deadlines and objectives.

**We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits**:

- Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
- Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
- Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, annual retreats, and celebrations.
- Learning: Learning & Development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
- Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference
- Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.

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.