Research Scientist

Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC); Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) invites a Research Scientist to advance rare earth elements and critical minerals processing from lab to commercialization in Saskatoon. You will lead applied R&D in hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, and scale-up, working with SRC's Rare Earth Processing Facility and client projects.

The role demands a strong foundation in engineering or science, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and the ability to communicate complex results to technical and non-technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science-related field; master’s degree is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant industry, research, or applied technical experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying scientific or engineering principles in applied research, laboratory, pilot-scale, or operational settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute applied research, development, and technical projects related to mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction and separation, precipitation, and metallization, addressing complex and evolving technical problems
• Develop technical work plans, schedules, and cost estimates for projects and process improvements
• Plan and support laboratory and pilot-scale testing, ensuring work is conducted safely and in accordance with approved procedures
• Interpret complex data sets, perform detailed analyses, and develop defensible technical conclusions and recommendations that may influence operational and project-level decisions
• Provide technical input to client-facing activities, business development efforts, and service promotion, communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives through data analysis, identification of improvement opportunities, and implementation of modifications to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Scientific reporting

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

Master’s degree asset

Job description

Overview

Research Scientist to provide advanced applied scientific expertise in research, development, and application of metallurgical processes related to rare earth elements (REE) and other critical minerals, supporting laboratory, pilot‑scale, and commercial activities. The role includes support of full‑cycle REE processing development from applied research through scale‑up and commercialization, delivering results for the SRC Rare Earth Processing Facility and client‑focused projects.

Accountabilities

• Develop and execute applied research, development, and technical projects related to mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction and separation, precipitation, and metallization, addressing complex and evolving technical problems
• Develop technical work plans, schedules, and cost estimates for projects and process improvements
• Plan and support laboratory and pilot‑scale testing, ensuring work is conducted safely and in accordance with approved procedures
• Interpret complex data sets, perform detailed analyses, and develop defensible technical conclusions and recommendations that may influence operational and project‑level decisions
• Provide technical input to client‑facing activities, business development efforts, and service promotion, communicating technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives through data analysis, identification of improvement opportunities, and implementation of modifications to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science‑related field; completion of a master’s degree is considered an asset
• Minimum of 3‑5 years of relevant industry, research, or applied technical experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Demonstrated experience applying scientific or engineering principles in an applied research, laboratory, pilot‑scale, or operational environment

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage projects or processes independently with limited oversight
• Proven ability to address complex, multidisciplinary technical problems using sound judgment and analytical reasoning
• Competent in providing technical guidance and informal mentoring to junior scientists or engineers
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical and scientific reporting
• Strong collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams

Additional Requirements

Chosen candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to SRC prior to the commencement of any employment duties. The Criminal Record Check must have been executed within the preceding 30 days of receipt.

Location

This position is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Deadline to Apply

June 8, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please indicate on your application where you heard about the position. SRC works with several partners to support an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to engage and empower all people so they can successfully achieve their professional goals. As SRC strives to build a representative workforce, applications are encouraged from persons of Indigenous ancestry.