7.2. Principal Analytical 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: 

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Principal Analytical Scientist to lead and shape the analytical research and development efforts for the extraction, separation, and metallization of rare earth metals. This is a leadership role that requires deep technical expertise in analytical chemistry and instrumentation, combined with the vision to drive innovation and establish best-in-class analytical practices. . 

Based in our Woburn, MA location, the Principal Analytical Scientist will work at the forefront of sustainable metallurgy, spearheading the development of advanced methodologies, mentoring scientific teams, and driving continuous improvements in rare earth metal refining processes. 

• Oversee the development and validation of robust analytical methods to ensure precision, accuracy, and reliability. 
• Set organizational standards and protocols for advanced analytical testing, utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation such as ICP, IGA, XRD, and other specialized tools. 
• Lead innovation efforts to improve analytical methodologies and integrate emerging technologies into existing workflows. 
• Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, and quality teams to provide analytical insights that advance the company’s mission of sustainability and operational excellence. 
• Develop new approaches for analyzing complex materials to optimize efficiency and yield in extraction and separation processes. 
• Serve as the company’s foremost expert in analytical equipment, ensuring optimal use, maintenance, and upgrades for advanced instrumentation. 
• Lead initiatives to implement cutting-edge tools and techniques to enhance analytical performance and scalability. 
• Establish and enforce quality assurance protocols to ensure the highest standards of data accuracy and reproducibility. 
• Provide strategic oversight on quality control measures, supporting the development of rare earth refining processes with reliable analytical data. 
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and innovation. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance analytical workflows, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
• Ensure all analytical practices comply with relevant regulatory standards, industry benchmarks, and internal policies. 

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of experience in analytical research and development, with significant expertise in rare earth metals, mining, or advanced materials industries. 
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, including ICP, IGA, XRD, and other cutting-edge analytical tools. 
• Proven track record of developing and implementing advanced analytical methods for complex material systems, particularly rare earth metals
• Expertise in high-temperature chemical processes, solvent extraction, and/or molten salt electrolysis is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor scientific talent. 
• Exceptional strategic thinking with a proven ability to align analytical capabilities with business objectives. 
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing complex, high-impact projects. 

• 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).