R&D Laboratory Chemist

Westwater Resources Inc; Kellyton (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwater Resources Inc. is seeking an R&D Laboratory Chemist to conduct laboratory testing, analytical characterization, and process-development activities.

You will work on graphite materials, including particle-size modification, purification, coating, carbonization, and evaluation of properties. Responsibilities include bench-scale studies, sample prep, data analysis, and technical reporting, with emphasis on safety and QA/QC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing or related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct lab experiments to support product and process development.
• Perform bench-scale studies to evaluate processing conditions and materials.
• Prepare samples, conduct purification, coating, carbonization and related experiments.
• Analyze data, generate reports and maintain traceable records.
• Support QA/QC and ISO 17025 related activities as applicable.
• Ensure safe handling of acids, bases, solvents, and powders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Documentation

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

ICP-OES

XRD

BET

PSD

SEM

Job description

Position SummaryThe 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 Responsibilities1. Research and DevelopmentPlan 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 CharacterizationPerform or coordinate analytical and physical characterization of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, including:Particle size distribution (PSD)BET specific surface areaTap and bulk densityMoisture contentAsh and fixed-carbon analysisICP-OES elemental analysisX-ray diffraction (XRD)pH and conductivityOther physical and chemical characterization methods as requiredReview analytical results for accuracy, consistency, and technical significance.3. Sample Preparation and Chemical ProcessingPrepare 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 ReportingAnalyze 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 SystemsFollow 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 SafetyFollow 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 ExperienceRequiredBachelor'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.PreferredMaster's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.2–5 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 SkillsThe successful candidate should demonstrate: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 RequirementsAbility 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.