R&D Scientist

Mafix; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

401k

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Mafix is seeking an experienced R&D Scientist to drive our first‑generation product and shape technology development. You will design and run experiments across chemistry, materials science, and agronomy, reporting to the Head of Technology, and collaborate with the growing team onsite in Seattle.

The role requires a PhD (or equivalent) with lab experience and strong analytical skills using XRF, XRD, ICP, and SEM.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science, or related field; equivalent Masters + experience or BS + experience acceptable.
• Experience designing and executing experiments in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and literature-based experimental design.
• Experience with hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy preferred.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments involving wet and solid-state chemistry.
• Develop new experimental protocols and set up required equipment.
• Build out R&D capabilities with equipment commissioning and lab setup.
• Analyze results and present implications to the team.
• Collaborate within a growing R&D group.

Skills

Lab experiment design

Analytical techniques

Independent work

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Geochemistry/Materials Science

Tools

XRF

XRD

ICP

SEM

PSA

Job description

Mafix transforms the world's most abundant rocks and minerals into the next generation of fertilizers. Our products help farmers maintain and improve crop yields while permanently removing CO₂ from the atmosphere through enhanced rock weathering, delivering a dual return that conventional agricultural products cannot.

We produce our mineral fertilizer using spare capacity in cement rotary kilns, making it cost-competitive without building new infrastructure. Applied to soil, it releases plant-available silicon and other nutrients that strengthen crops against climate stress, drought, and pests, while sequestering carbon as the mineral dissolves.

With core chemistry published in Nature, our pre‑seed funding secured, and key partnerships in place, we are scaling fast: moving from pilot production to a 1,000‑tonne commercial run in 2027. We are looking for team members excited to unlock the power of abundant rocks towards a climate positive and food abundant future!

Position Details:

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Scientist who is passionate about creating products that deliver agronomic and environmental returns. This R&D Scientist will work closely with the Head of Technology to advance Mafix’s first‑generation product and set the course for the company’s technology development. They will independently design and execute experimental campaigns utilizing techniques from chemistry, materials science, and agronomy as part of the technology development team.

This role will report to the Head of Technology and be full‑time onsite in Seattle, WA.

Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments involving wet chemistry techniques and solid‑state chemistry.
• Design new experimental protocols based on literature procedures, including identifying and setting up the necessary equipment.
• Build out R&D capabilities including equipment commissioning, lab facility setup and others alongside the Head of Technology and other team members.
• Analyze and present results and implications from R&D experiments.
• Be a collaborative member of a growing R&D team.

Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent Masters + Experience, or BS + Experience) in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science, or related scientific or engineering field.
• Experience designing and executing experiments in a laboratory setting
• Experience with analytical techniques such as XRF, XRD, ICP, SEM, PSA
• Experience executing literature searches and designing new experiments based on literature protocols
• Experience with hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy preferred
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently with strong attention to detail.

Location and Pay:

• Onsite in Seattle, WA
• Competitive salary
• Equity options

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits (including 401k, healthcare coverage)