Analytical Lab Technician

ElementUSA is advancing how the world recovers and refines critical minerals, transforming industrial residues into valuable resources, accelerating America’s access to critical minerals.

We’re seeking an Analytical Laboratory Technician to join our process development laboratory at the Critical Resource Accelerator
. This facility focuses on the extraction and valorization of solid waste byproducts from various industrial processes, including alumina, steel, iron ore, coal, fertilizers, brick, glass, copper, gold, and other mineral and chemical operations. This role involves working primarily with small samples of materials provided by Metallurgical Technicians in a clean laboratory environment equipped with advanced analytical instrumentation to conduct comprehensive physical, chemical, and mineralogical evaluations.

• Manage day-to-day analytical operations within a clean lab environment, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Achieve high standards in analytical precision and research outcomes.
• Establish, document, and maintain laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all analytical processes.
• Perform sample preparation with precision volume and weight measurements.
• Execute routine analytical testing with consistent quality and accuracy.

• Operate a full suite of analytical laboratory equipment and perform tests, including:
• Sample preparation and handling – volume and weight precision measurements
• Titrations for chemical analysis
• ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, and laser particle analyzers
• pH/ORP meters for electrochemical measurements
• Weigh scales and graduated cylinder measurements
• Density, strength, and sieving equipment for physical property analysis
• Analytical instrumentation for elemental and mineralogical characterization
• Ensure that all test work and analytical results are accurate, reproducible, and documented in compliance with laboratory best practices.
• Conduct calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to uphold analytical accuracy and precision.

• Collaborate closely with the R&D team, Metallurgical Technicians, and engineering staff to provide analytical data that supports process development.
• Stay informed about advancements in analytical instrumentation and methods to continually improve capabilities and methodologies.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and secure data recording, storage, and reporting in alignment with company standards.
• Provide data interpretations and technical reports to support decision-making in R&D projects and process optimization initiatives.
• Present analytical results and insights to cross-functional teams, partners, and stakeholders as needed.

• Maintain rigorous adherence to laboratory safety protocols and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Implement quality control measures to achieve high data quality and repeatability.
• Develop and manage internal quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs.

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• Experience in an analytical chemistry laboratory setting is desired.
• Background in analytical testing, mineral characterization, or materials analysis.
• Familiarity with relevant analytical instrumentation, including ICP-OES, XRD, XRF, and laser particle analyzers.
• Strong understanding of analytical methods, data interpretation, and laboratory management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and engineering staff.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative working environment.

• Methodical and curious: you dig deep into data and love solving complex material puzzles.
• Detail-oriented and precise: you excel at routine analytical tasks and take pride in producing high-quality, reproducible data.
• Collaborative: you thrive in cross-functional R&D environments and value open communication.
• Results-driven: you take pride in connecting lab results to measurable process improvements.

ElementUSA is redefining the future of mineral…