R&D Laboratory Chemist

Westwater Resources, Inc.; Alabama; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwater Resources, Inc. is seeking an R&D Laboratory Chemist to conduct laboratory testing, experimental research, and materials characterization for graphite materials development. You will prepare samples, perform purification and carbonization steps, and analyze data to support process optimization.

You will collaborate with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, and Quality to ensure rigorous documentation and safe lab practices while advancing DOE studies and scale-up efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• Laboratory experience involving chemical analysis, materials characterization, or process-development testing.
• Experience with laboratory sample preparation and wet-chemistry techniques.
• Ability to document laboratory procedures and experimental results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general laboratory data management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct laboratory experiments supporting product and process development.
• Perform bench-scale studies to evaluate processing conditions, raw materials, and process modifications.
• Support development and optimization of graphite processing operations, including purification, coating, carbonization, screening, and related processes.
• Evaluate effects of process conditions on product properties and performance.
• Develop experimental plans and assist with DOE when appropriate.
• Identify technical problems and recommend corrective actions.
• Support scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot and production operations.
• Maintain detailed and traceable experimental records.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ICP-OES

XRD

BET

PSD

SEM

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 349 MCCLELLAN INDUSTRIAL DRIVE - KELLYTON, AL 35089

Job Shift: Day

Position Summary

The R&D Laboratory Chemist is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, experimental research, analytical characterization, and process-development activities in support of research and development, product development, process optimization, and quality initiatives.

The position involves hands-on laboratory work with raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products, including sample preparation, chemical processing, instrumental analysis, data evaluation, troubleshooting, and technical reporting. The Chemist will work closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external laboratories to support development programs and resolve technical issues.

For a graphite/materials laboratory, the role will specifically support the characterization and development of graphite materials, including particle-size modification, purification, coating, carbonization, and evaluation of physical and chemical properties.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Development

• Plan and conduct laboratory experiments supporting product and process development.
• Perform bench-scale studies to evaluate processing conditions, raw materials, and process modifications.
• Support development and optimization of graphite processing operations, including purification, coating, carbonization, screening, and related processes.
• Evaluate the effects of process conditions on product properties and performance.
• Develop experimental plans and assist with Design of Experiments (DOE) when appropriate.
• Identify technical problems, investigate root causes, and recommend corrective or improvement actions.
• Support scale-up of successful laboratory processes to pilot and production operations.
• Maintain detailed and traceable experimental records.

2. Laboratory Testing and Characterization

Perform or coordinate analytical and physical characterization of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, including:

• Particle size distribution (PSD)
• BET specific surface area
• Tap and bulk density
• Moisture content
• Ash and fixed-Carbon analysis
• ICP-OES elemental analysis
• X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• pH and conductivity
• Other physical and chemical characterization methods as required

Review analytical results for accuracy, consistency, and technical significance.

3. Sample Preparation and Chemical Processing

• Prepare samples for analytical testing and R&D experiments.
• Perform microwave acid digestion and other chemical sample-preparation procedures.
• Prepare acids, bases, standards, calibration solutions, and other laboratory reagents.
• Conduct laboratory-scale purification, leaching, washing, filtration, drying, heat-treatment, and related experiments.
• Conduct laboratory-scale pitch mixing, carbonization, and related experiments.
• Handle graphite and chemical reagents in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Maintain proper sample identification, labeling, storage, and traceability.

4. Data Analysis and Technical Reporting

• Analyze experimental and analytical data using Excel and other appropriate software.
• Perform statistical evaluation of laboratory results when required.
• Prepare tables, graphs, control charts, and technical summaries.
• Interpret relationships between processing conditions and material properties.
• Prepare laboratory reports, R&D reports, technical memoranda, and presentations.
• Clearly document experimental objectives, procedures, observations, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy laboratory records.

5. Quality Assurance and Laboratory Systems

• Follow established laboratory quality-control procedures.
• Use standards, blanks, duplicates, reference materials, and control samples as required.
• Review QC data and identify results requiring investigation or retesting.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and sample traceability.
• Participate in internal laboratory audits and corrective/preventive action activities.
• Support development and implementation of laboratory quality systems consistent with ISO 17025 principles where applicable.
• Assist with laboratory information management and electronic data-recording systems.

6. Laboratory Safety

• Follow all Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Properly handle acids, bases, solvents, powders, and other laboratory chemicals.
• Follow appropriate procedures when operating furnaces, microwave digestion equipment, XRD systems, and other laboratory equipment.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and appropriate chemical labeling.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in laboratory safety inspections and hazard assessments.
• Properly segregate, label, store, and dispose of laboratory wastes.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, spills, and incidents.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Laboratory experience involving chemical analysis, materials characterization, or process-development testing.
• Experience with laboratory sample preparation and wet-chemistry techniques.
• Ability to accurately document laboratory procedures and experimental results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general laboratory data management.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• 3-5 years of industrial or R&D laboratory experience.
• Experience working with graphite, carbon materials, battery materials, minerals, or other advanced materials.
• Experience with ICP-OES, XRD, BET, PSD, SEM, or similar analytical techniques.
• Experience with laboratory-scale mineral processing or chemical purification.
• Experience developing SOPs and laboratory test methods.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 or similar laboratory quality-management systems.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong laboratory and experimental skills.
• Understanding of analytical chemistry and materials characterization.
• Ability to independently plan and execute laboratory experiments.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis skills.
• Ability to recognize questionable analytical results and investigate potential causes.
• Understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple samples and projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical results to scientists, engineers, management, and operations personnel.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a chemical and materials laboratory environment.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, laboratory coats, gloves, and respiratory protection when required.
• Ability to handle laboratory chemicals and powdered materials.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory samples and containers up to approximately 25-50 lb., as permitted by company safety requirements.
• Ability to perform laboratory work involving standing, sample preparation, equipment operation, and repetitive measurements.
• Occasional work outside normal laboratory hours may be required to support time-dependent experiments or equipment operation.

Westwater Resources and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer- and a drug - free workplace.