Research Scientist – Rare Earth Tailings

Role Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Location: Tavistock, Devon

The Role:

As a Research Scientist for the Medet Tailing Facility, you will be responsible for leading the study, characterisation and extraction of critical materials including copper and rare earth elements from mine tailings.

You will require a strong grounding in analytical and inorganic chemistry, with some project management and Design of Experiment expertise.

What You’ll Do:

Mine Tailings Characterisation:

  • Conduct detailed analysis and characterization of mine tailings to understand the composition, mineralogy, and potential for rare earth elements extraction.
  • Utilize advanced analytical techniques to identify key minerals, chemical constituents, and potential environmental impacts.

Process Development:

  • Design and develop innovative chemical processes for the efficient extraction of rare earth elements from mine tailings.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize and scale-up the extraction process.

Flowsheet Development:

  • Develop comprehensive flowsheets outlining the step-by-step process for rare earth elements extraction.
  • Provide technical expertise in the design and integration of unit operations within the extraction flowsheet.

Laboratory and Field Work:

  • Oversee and perform laboratory experiments and field studies to validate the developed processes.
  • Ensure data accuracy, reliability, and adherence to safety protocols during all experiments and studies.

Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, engineers, and environmental scientists to integrate findings into a holistic approach for resource recovery.
  • Work closely with external partners, research institutions, and industry experts to stay abreast of advancements in the field.

Documentation and Reporting:

  • Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations summarizing research findings, methodologies, and recommendations.
  • Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance:

  • Ensure that all research activities comply with relevant environmental and safety regulations.
  • Stay informed about changing regulations and adapt processes accordingly.

What You’ll Bring:

  • A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology or related fields.
  • Experience in successfully prosecuting studies of similar scope and content.
  • Knowledge of process engineering and chemical process modelling software.
  • Knowledge of various relevant analytical techniques.
  • A strong approach to Health and Safety, characterised by a proactive commitment to prioritising the well-being of employees and visitors and an ability to foster that culture across the organisation.
  • Strong technical knowledge and familiarity with the specific technologies, equipment, and machinery relevant to the mine tailing’s purpose and industry.
  • Ability to identify, assess and solve problems.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management skills to ensure collaboration and alignment with key stakeholders.
  • Experience in risk assessment, management, and mitigation strategies.

About Us:

Altilium is a UK-based clean technology group supporting the transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to zero-carbon.

Our vision is for a circular and domestic EV battery supply chain, where the critical minerals powering the energy transition are safely recovered from recycling end-of-life EV batteries and mine tailings, saving natural resources and reducing mining.

We are developing the green processing technologies and building at-scale recycling infrastructure to decarbonise the automotive supply chain, providing the lowest carbon, most eco-friendly battery materials for a cleaner transport future.

This is your opportunity to be in at the beginning of the sixth wave industrial revolution, providing circular energy solutions to the UK and Europe as part of a global team.

We’re working to be an inclusive employer and we encourage people from all backgrounds, ways of thinking and working to apply. We love that everyone brings different perspectives and experiences.

We strive to eliminate any barriers that might prevent individuals from showcasing their skills and qualifications. If you require adjustments at any stage of the application process or to the role, please let us know and we’ll see how we can accommodate them.

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

  • Bachelor’s (preferred)

Experience:

  • Process Engineering: 1 year (required)
  • Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

  • United Kingdom (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

  • Tavistock (required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Tavistock: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

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