Senior Geochemist - Critical Minerals & Remediation

Battelle•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Geochemist - Critical Minerals & Remediation with expertise in mining, critical minerals recovery, mineral processing, and industrial waste materials management, treatment, and beneficial use/reuse as part of site remediation. Candidates based near Columbus, Ohio are preferred, with the opportunity to work hybrid at Battelle Headquarters; however, remote candidates will also be considered. The Environment and Agriculture (E&A) Business Line supports government and commercial clients through environmental services and contract research, focusing on site characterization, risk assessment, and remediation. A key strength of E&A is developing innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges through thought leadership, cutting-edge applied science, and research and development (R&D). The selected candidate will drive innovative work in contaminant treatment and critical minerals recovery during site remediation and industrial waste management, while supporting the growth of a sustainable waste management and treatment practice area. This role requires providing technical and strategic leadership to Battelle's efforts in evaluating and developing technologies related to critical minerals recovery, contributing engineering and geochemistry expertise to technical projects, and sustaining and growing client relationships in the mining and legacy mine site remediation industries. This position requires a seasoned expert with a geosciences toolbox that can be broadly applied across the wide range of clients and projects Battelle supports. Candidates with related experience and an interest in innovative solutions for the treatment and beneficial use/reuse of mining and industrial waste materials are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with five (5) years of experience, master's degree with two (2) years of experience, or PhD; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Geochemistry experience, particularly with state-of-the-practice modeling programs
Recognized expertise in remediation, including mining, with working knowledge of CERCLA, RCRA, and other applicable federal laws
Experience working with the federal government performing and managing contaminated site assessments and remedy evaluations, including preparing investigation work plans, design analysis, feasibility studies, treatability studies, removal action work plans, remedy design, and remedy implementation
Demonstrated client liaison and business development skills
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Travel up to 25% annually to client locations and conferences
Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control laws

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with ten (10) years of experience, master's degree with eight (8) years of experience, or PhD with three (3) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Ten (10) years of experience successfully managing projects, programs, and/or people
Experience with commercial industries and state/local governments
Advanced degree in environmental/civil engineering or a closely related field, along with a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) designation
Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER and MSHA training and refreshers
Enthusiasm for working in innovative environments and developing technology to solve complex problems

Responsibilities

Support market strategy to address critical minerals and rare earth elements industry-specific needs through client engagement
Support the Emerging Contaminants initiative by coordinating tactical plans for sector-specific targets
Drive collaboration in research and development and funding through internal R&D programs and external partnerships to better meet industry needs
Serve as a client-facing senior geochemist or engineer for technology demonstrations evaluating critical minerals recovery technologies from mine waste during site remediation
Develop technical approaches for assessing performance and operational metrics to guide decision-making in technology selection and implementation during site remediation
Conduct geochemical modeling for groundwater and surface water, along with fate and transport modeling associated with metals and other contaminants in soil and sediment
Serve as a technical expert in developing and reviewing site characterization and remedial investigation documents for diverse clients
Apply expert knowledge of CERCLA and Superfund site Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies to diverse projects
Actively represent Battelle in industry associations and at conferences, engaging with mining, remediation, and mineral and materials processing/manufacturing industries
Demonstrate cutting-edge knowledge in the treatment of contaminant metals in aqueous and solid mining waste and recovery of critical minerals
Attract and develop talent to expand Battelle's site characterization and remediation practice area
Manage cost-reimbursable, firm-fixed-price, time and materials, and performance-based remediation contracts
Maintain a strong understanding of applicable regulations and the evolving regulatory environment as it applies to remediation, particularly in mining, minerals processing, and materials manufacturing/processing (e.g., semiconductor industry)

Benefits

Comprehensive and competitive benefits
Flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office and 40% remote)
Paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Wellness incentives and benefits
Optional supplemental benefits
Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan (5 percent contribution from Battelle regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
Tuition assistance