Analytical Chemist

Phoenix Tailings • Rochester, NY

4d • $70,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Phoenix Tailings is seeking analytical chemistry professionals interested in future opportunities at its Rochester Freedom Facility, a planned commercial-scale rare earth separation facility. As the facility develops toward operations in 2027 and 2028, Analytical Chemists will provide chemistry data used to assess rare earth recovery, process stability, separation performance, and product quality. The work includes preparing and analyzing process and product samples; operating or coordinating ICP-OES and XRF testing; maintaining analytical methods, standards, calibration, and quality-control checks; and reporting results to operations and engineering. The role supports a new operating team with dependable data to help understand process performance. Hiring timelines, responsibilities, qualifications, and organizational needs may evolve as the facility progresses toward startup and operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on analytical laboratory experience through academic or industrial work, including sample preparation and ICP-OES, XRF, or related instrumental methods.
• Knowledge of calibration, reference standards, method consistency, and quality-control checks, with the ability to recognize unreliable or unexpected results.
• Strong data accuracy and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate chemistry results clearly and handle laboratory chemicals and samples safely.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze process and product samples to assess rare earth recovery, separation performance, and oxide quality.
• Operate or coordinate ICP-OES and XRF testing, selecting established methods appropriate to the sample and operating question.
• Maintain analytical methods, reference standards, calibration, and quality-control checks so results are consistent and suitable for operating decisions.
• Review sample inconsistencies and unexpected results by checking preparation, instrument performance, and test records before reporting findings.
• Report analytical results clearly to operations and engineering while maintaining traceable laboratory records and safe reagent and sample-handling practices.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee.
• Stock options and ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Learning and development opportunities to grow skills and career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time