Critical Minerals Recovery Specialist

National Institute of Standards and Technology•Gaithersburg, MD

About The Position

NIST is seeking a Critical Minerals Recovery Specialist to serve as a project scientist leading original research to develop measurement platforms that quantify the thermodynamics and kinetics of functionalized polymeric membranes and sorbents used to recover critical minerals from acidic solutions digested from electronic waste streams. The position integrates membrane science, electrochemistry, and pyrometallurgy. The specialist works independently and exercises substantial technical judgment to design specialized instrumentation, refine analytical methodologies, and evaluate polymer ligand–metal ion binding mechanisms in complex, highly acidic leachate solutions containing dissolved mono-, di-, and trivalent metal ions. The role also involves conducting studies on model materials, protecting data integrity, and resolving complex separation-measurement challenges. The specialist authors peer-reviewed publications, presents findings, and generates foundational reference data to help industry optimize sorbents, membranes, and separation processes. The role includes close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across NIST’s critical minerals portfolio and engagement with industry stakeholders, recyclers, and academic researchers to align measurement platforms with national critical mineral supply-chain priorities.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; or equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirement, have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level, including experience in separations methods using polymer membranes and sorbents, characterization methods for ion-containing and charged polymers, and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements; or have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or a combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
Be a U.S. citizen.
If male and born after December 31, 1959, be registered for Selective Service.
Be suitable for Federal employment.
Submit transcripts to validate the education requirement; unofficial transcripts are accepted with the application, but official transcripts are required before a final offer.
For education completed outside the United States, provide an evaluation from an accredited organization confirming comparability to U.S. accredited institutions, including course-by-course results.

Responsibilities

Lead original research to develop measurement platforms for quantifying the thermodynamics and kinetics of functionalized polymeric membranes and sorbents used to recover critical minerals from acidic electronic-waste leachates.
Independently design specialized instrumentation and refine analytical methodologies.
Evaluate polymer ligand–metal ion binding mechanisms in complex, highly acidic solutions containing dissolved mono-, di-, and trivalent metal ions.
Integrate membrane science, electrochemistry, and pyrometallurgy.
Resolve complex separation-measurement challenges and ensure data integrity while making technical decisions with high autonomy.
Conduct studies on model materials.
Author peer-reviewed publications, present findings, and generate foundational reference data for industry.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across NIST’s critical minerals portfolio.
Engage with industry stakeholders, recyclers, and academic researchers to align measurement platforms with national critical mineral supply-chain priorities.