6.2. Principal Separation Scientist

About Phoenix Tailings 

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.  

Why Phoenix Tailings 

At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.  

Our Values:  

● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong

● Lead with Compassion

● Be Resourceful

● Listen

● Hustle

Who We Are Looking For: 

Phoenix Tailings is seeking a Principal Separation Scientist to lead the advancement of cutting-edge separation technologies for the recovery of rare earth elements and critical metals. As a key technical leader within the organization, you will drive innovation, shape the strategic direction of separation science, and lead multidisciplinary teams in solving complex challenges associated with rare earth element extraction, separation, and metallization. 

This role demands extensive expertise in separation science, solvent extraction, and other advanced techniques, as well as a proven ability to guide research and development programs from conception to implementation. The Principal Separation Scientist will serve as a thought leader and mentor, influencing both the technical and strategic aspects of Phoenix Tailings’ mission to revolutionize sustainable metallurgy. 

• Define and drive the long-term vision and strategic direction for separation technologies, ensuring alignment with Phoenix Tailings’ goals. 
• Lead the development of novel separation methodologies, including solvent extraction, ion exchange, and advanced chemical techniques. 
• Collaborate with executive leadership to prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively to meet business objectives. 
• Spearhead the development and optimization of separation processes for rare earth elements and critical metals, ensuring efficiency, selectivity, and scalability. 
• Identify and implement emerging technologies and advancements in separation science to maintain a competitive edge. 
• Lead initiatives to integrate sustainable practices into separation methodologies, minimizing environmental impact. 
• Oversee experimental programs, from laboratory-scale research to pilot-scale validation, ensuring scientific rigor and data integrity. 
• Serve as a technical authority in separation science, providing guidance and expertise to solve complex process challenges. 
• Develop and refine process models and flowsheets for integration with upstream and downstream operations. 
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture. 
• Provide technical training and professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their expertise. 
• Partner with R&D, process engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of separation processes into production workflows. 
• Oversee high-impact projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with company goals. 
• Monitor project progress, address challenges, and implement solutions to achieve desired outcomes. 

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a focus on separation science or solvent extraction. 
• 10+ years of experience in separation process research and development, with demonstrated success in scaling processes from laboratory to industrial applications. 
• Extensive knowledge of solvent extraction, ion exchange, and other separation technologies. 
• Deep understanding of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and mass transfer as applied to separation processes. 
• Proven experience in designing and optimizing separation processes for rare earth elements or critical metals. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, collaborative environment. 
• Exceptional strategic thinking, with the ability to align technical programs with business objectives. 
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 
• Experience in rare earth element processing or critical metals recovery is ideal. 
• Knowledge of high-temperature or electrochemical processes. 
• Familiarity with regulatory and environmental standards for industrial separation processes. 

• Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
• Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families. 
• Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world. 
• Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations. 
• Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
• Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference! 
• Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day. 

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  

Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).