Geochemist

Earth AI; Cumberland; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Collaborative environment

Job summary

EARTH AI is seeking an experienced Geochemist/Analytical Chemist to design, lead laboratory operations at our Auburn facility in NSW. You will own lab systems, workflows, and technical standards while delivering high-quality analytical data from 4-acid digestion and ICP-OES analyses.

You will supervise staff, coordinate sample workflows, and ensure safety and quality under the Laboratory Manager, shaping processes and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience in a geochemistry or analytical chemistry lab.
• Experience with 4-acid digestion techniques.
• Hands-on experience with ICP-OES instrumentation and troubleshooting.
• Experience with method development and QA/QC systems.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of laboratory setup, optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Safely operate and oversee laboratory and sample preparation activities.
• Supervise staff and support daily production requirements.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain geochemical analytical methods.
• Perform and review QA/QC in line with laboratory quality standards.
• Validate and report analytical data to geologists.
• Coordinate sample flow from receipt to final results with the Laboratory Manager.
• Operate laboratory equipment as required during priority production or staff absences.
• Maintain risk assessments, SOPs, housekeeping, and site safety compliance.
• Coordinate inter-laboratory comparison (round robin) testing.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Geochemistry

Laboratory supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry or Geochemistry

Tools

ICP-OES

4-acid digestion

Job description

EARTH AI is a fast-growing tech startup transforming the way critical metals are discovered. Founded in 2016 in Sydney, we are on a mission to secure the future of technology and infrastructure by responsibly sourcing the metals essential for global advancement. Using cutting-edge technology, we identify and develop new metal deposits with unmatched efficiency and sustainability. Our vision is to lead the industry by discovering and owning the majority of future metal deposits while becoming the most advanced, efficient, and responsible metal commodity company in the world.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Geochemist/Analytical Chemist to play a key role in designing, establishing, and leading laboratory operations at our Auburn facility. This position offers a high level of autonomy and ownership, with responsibility not only for delivering high-quality analytical data, but also for shaping laboratory systems, workflows, and technical standards.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality analytical data through 4-acid digestion, ICP-OES analysis, QA/QC, and method development, while supporting day-to-day laboratory operations. You will be working closely with the Laboratory Manager, will help coordinate sample workflows, supervise staff, and ensure quality and safety standards are consistently met.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of laboratory setup, optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Safely operate and oversee laboratory and sample preparation activities;
• Supervise staff and support daily production requirements;
• Develop, optimise, and maintain geochemical analytical methods;
• Perform and review QA/QC in line with laboratory quality standards;
• Validate and report analytical data to geologists;
• Coordinate sample flow from receipt to final results with the Laboratory Manager;
• Operate laboratory equipment as required during priority production or staff absences;
• Maintain risk assessments, SOPs, housekeeping, and site safety compliance;
• Coordinate inter-laboratory comparison (round robin) testing.

About You

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry, or a related discipline;
• Strong experience in a geochemistry or analytical chemistry laboratory environment;
• Demonstrated experience with acid digestion techniques (4-acid digestion preferred);
• Hands‑on experience operating and troubleshooting ICP‑OES instrumentation;
• Proven ability in method development, QA/QC systems, or laboratory supervision;
• Confident working independent­ly, taking initiative, and leading operational improvements;
• Motivated to build, refine, and take ownership of laboratory systems and performance.
  

Why Join Us

• Growth Opportunities: We support professional development and career advancement;
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a team of passionate and supportive colleagues;