Analytical Chemist – Rare Earths, On‑Site Lab (Alameda)

solcoa; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-provided lunch daily

Visa sponsorship available

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Solcoa is hiring an Analytical Chemist to operate our analytical instruments and characterize rare earth materials in Alameda, CA. You will prepare and analyze oxide feedstocks, metals and powders, reporting results to research and production teams.

This hands-on lab role emphasizes sample prep, instrument operation and repeatable measurement. Key tasks include running ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDX, XRD, and IGF measurements, maintaining instruments, and generating clear analytical reports.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Chemistry or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of analytical lab experience; graduate research counts.
• Hands-on experience with ICP-OES or ICP-MS, including sample prep and maintenance.
• Ability to follow SOPs, document methods and explain results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Operate ICP-OES and ICP-MS to measure contents and impurities using established methods.
• Prepare samples and standards, including digestion, dilution and contamination control.
• Use SEM-EDX to study morphology and elemental distribution; identify crystalline phases with XRD.
• Measure oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen using inert gas fusion with proper calibration.
• Perform QC with blanks, reference materials, spikes and duplicates; review results.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments; coordinate service and consumables.
• Collaborate with research and production to investigate unexpected results and improve processes.
• Write SOPs, maintain traceable data, and prepare analytical reports for QA and process development.
• Maintain safe lab practices for acids, powders, gases and waste; train teammates.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

SOP compliance

Team communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

SEM-EDX

XRD

Particle size analysis

IGF/LECO O/N/H systems

Job description

Solcoa is hiring an Analytical Chemist to operate our analytical instruments and characterize rare earth materials in Alameda, CA. You will prepare and analyze oxide feedstocks, metals and powders, reporting results to research and production teams.

This hands-on lab role emphasizes sample prep, instrument operation and repeatable measurement. Key tasks include running ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDX, XRD, and IGF measurements, maintaining instruments, and generating clear analytical reports.