Laboratory Technician

Element

USA is advancing how the world recovers and refines critical minerals, transforming industrial residues into valuable resources, accelerating America’s access to critical minerals.

We’re seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our process development laboratory at the Critical Resource Accelerator
. This facility focuses on the extraction and valorization of solid waste byproducts from various industrial processes, including alumina, steel, iron ore, coal, fertilizers, brick, glass, copper, gold, and other mineral and chemical operations. This role involves working in a laboratory equipped with advanced instrumentation to conduct comprehensive elemental and mineralogical tests, requiring a blend of technical expertise and collaborative skills.

• Manage day-to-day operations of the process development laboratory, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Achieve high standards in analytical precision and research outcomes.
• Establish, document, and maintain laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all analytical processes.
• Conduct mineral beneficiation and material handling.

• Operate a full suite of laboratory equipment and perform tests, including:
  Stirred beaker reactions, Hot plate chemistry testing (acid and base chemicals), Vacuum filtration, Sample preparation and handling – volume and weight precision measurements, Laboratory furnace operations and crucible handling, H/ORP meters for electrochemical measurements, Weigh scales and graduated cylinder measurements and Density, strength, and sieving equipment for physical property analysis
• Ensure that all test work and analytical results are accurate, reproducible, and documented in compliance with laboratory best practices.
• Conduct calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to uphold analytical accuracy and precision.

• Collaborate closely with the R&D team, technology providers, and academic partners to support the testing of new extraction, separation, and material processing technologies.
• Stay informed about advancements in laboratory instrumentation and methods to continually improve capabilities and methodologies.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and secure data recording, storage, and reporting in alignment with company standards.
• Provide data interpretations and technical reports to support decision-making in R&D projects and process optimization initiatives.
• Present analytical results and insights to cross-functional teams, partners, and stakeholders as needed.

• Maintain rigorous adherence to laboratory safety protocols and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Implement quality control measures to achieve high data quality and repeatability.
• Develop and manage internal quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs.

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• Experience in a chemistry laboratory setting is desired.
• Background in mineral processing, wastewater treatment, or industrial production operations.
• Familiarity with relevant analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, and laser particle analyzers.
• Strong understanding of laboratory methods, data interpretation, and laboratory management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative working environment.

• Methodical and curious: you dig deep into data and love solving complex material puzzles.
• Hands‑on and self‑sufficient: you don’t just analyze samples, you understand the equipment and can optimize it.
• Collaborative: you thrive in cross‑functional R&D environments and value open communication.
• Results‑driven: you take pride in connecting lab results to measurable process improvements.

Element

USA is redefining the future of mineral processing. Our team is committed to accelerating America’s access to critical minerals by converting industrial residues, like bauxite residue, into valuable materials for…