Company Description: Rock Zero is a sustainable mineral processing start-up on a mission to revolutionize the mining industry. Our innovative hydrometallurgical process eliminates the need for high-temperature ore roasting and recycles all process reagents and water. Rock Zero’s technology enables zero-waste critical mineral production from abundant natural resources and consumes less energy and generates fewer CO2 emissions than conventional processing methods.

Rock Zero’s core innovation is a closed-loop process for extracting lithium from hardrock at low temperature (<100 °C). Through the use of “silicate subtraction” chemistry, we are able to completely dissolve the aluminosilicate rock matrix and selectively precipitate each component (Li, Al, and Si) as a pure product stream. All process reagents and water are regenerated and reused at the end of each cycle, yielding a circular process with minimal environmental impact. Our mission is to develop, scale and deploy this process to lower the cost of lithium production from hardrock and sustainably supply the raw materials needed for widespread electrification and decarbonization.

Rock Zero was spun out of renowned MIT professor and cleantech entrepreneur Yet-Ming Chiang’s lab in 2024. It is backed by leading VCs and federal funding agencies, including ARPA-E and a Fortune 100 automotive company.

Position Overview: As a Senior Chemist at Rock Zero, you will play a key role in developing and optimizing hydrometallurgical processes for the extraction and recovery of valuable metals from ores and waste streams. You will be responsible for process research and optimization, ensuring scalability and sustainability. Your expertise will contribute to our mission of creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly supply chain for critical minerals.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and recovery
• Lead chemical research to address fundamental technical challenges and refine process flowsheets, ensuring alignment with project objectives
• Develop and conduct experimental studies, and analyze data to identify opportunities for process improvements and breakthroughs
• Provide detailed chemical insights for process design and cost estimation, ensuring scalability and feasibility of lab-scale innovations
• Collaborate closely with other team members to integrate sustainable practices into process design and operations
• Develop and refine process chemistry to enhance performance and efficiency
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards
• Mentor, train, and manage a small team of technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Stay up-to-date about advancements in chemistry, hydrometallurgy, and related fields to continuously drive innovation
  
  

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Chemistry or a related field
• >5 years experience working in chemical R&D or analytical laboratory setting
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in inorganic chemistry or a related field
• Expertise with inorganic solution and material characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, TGA, XRD, and SEM-EDS)
• Expertise with inorganic solution-state techniques, including leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and recrystallization
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and deliver innovative solutions
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing small teams of junior researchers (preferred, but not required)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to analyze data and develop creative solutions
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional environment
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and the responsible use of natural resources
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including equity incentives
• Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge field with a focus on sustainability and innovation
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
  
  

Rock Zero is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Join us in transforming the mineral processing industry and creating a sustainable future for all!