6.1. Research Manager

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: 

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Research Manager with a strong focus on supporting cutting-edge research and development initiatives while securing and managing grants. This role is integral to advancing Phoenix Tailings’ mission to revolutionize sustainable metallurgy and critical metals production. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management, scientific development, grant writing, and compliance, along with a technical background to collaborate effectively with R&D teams.  

As the Research Manager, you will lead groups solving internal technical projects, drive funding opportunities, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and contribute to the strategic growth of the company's research initiatives. 

• Lead and collaborate with technical teams to craft compelling technical solutions to chemical and engineering challenges encountered in new research areas and scaled-up processing operations 
• Develop structured timelines, milestones, and deliverables to keep research projects on track. 
• Identify roadblocks and get into the root cause to keep projects moving forward efficiently. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external research partners, funding agencies, and stakeholders. 
• Oversee research programs and projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives and funding requirements. 
• Research and secure grant and funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partnerships. 
• Collaborate with technical teams to craft compelling grant proposals, ensuring strong alignment with funding criteria. 
• Manage grant reporting, compliance, and financial oversight, working closely with finance and legal teams. 
• Act as the central liaison between R&D, finance, operations, and leadership to drive research program success. 
• Facilitate strategic discussions, ensuring teams are focused on high-priority research objectives. 
• Lead the preparation of detailed budgets, technical narratives, and application documents to ensure timely submission of grant applications.  
• Oversee intellectual property strategy, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, in collaboration with legal teams. 
• Stay updated on funding trends, emerging technologies, and potential partnerships in the clean tech and mining industries. 

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field. 
• 5+ years of experience in grant writing, research management, or technical project management, preferably in the clean tech or mining industries. 
• Proven track record of securing and managing grants for R&D projects. 
• Strong technical acumen to understand and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts in grant proposals. 
• Expertise in grant compliance, budget management, and financial reporting. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to craft compelling grant applications and reports. 
• Ability to manage multiple grants and ensure adherence to deadlines and requirements. 
• Proactive in identifying funding opportunities and aligning them with company goals. 
• Commitment to driving innovation and excellence in sustainable metallurgy and resource management. 

• 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, and celebrations. 
• Learning: Learning and 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.  

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).