Senior Scientist R&D

Energy 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 Role

As 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 Responsibilities

Research Development & Scale-Up

• Lead 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 Collaboration

• Collaborate extensively with adjacent R&D teamsincluding 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 & Documentation

• Champion 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.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Ph.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 & Competencies

• Demonstrated 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 analysis
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to translate complex molecular concepts into actionable engineering parameters.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability 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 events

EnergyX 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.

Required Experience:

Senior IC