Company Description: Rock Zero is a company on a mission to reinvent lithium refining. Demand for battery-grade lithium chemicals is rapidly increasing, with a >250% increase in production needed in the next 10 years to avoid a global supply shortage. Lithium hardrock is a geographically-abundant resource, but extracting lithium from hardrock is expensive, emits three times more CO2 than brine-based alternatives, and generates large volumes of chemical waste. Addressing these challenges will unlock abundant hardrock resources and provide a sustainable supply of the raw materials needed for widespread electrification.

At Rock Zero, we have invented a low-temperature hardrock refining process that lowers the cost and environmental impact of producing battery-grade lithium chemicals. Our process utilizes proprietary chemistry developed at MIT to convert each elemental component in hardrock (Li, Al, and Si) into a valuable commodity. We operate the entire process in a closed loop such that the reagent and process water are recycled and reused. Rock Zero's technology reduces the cost and CO2 emissions associated with hardrock refining by >50% and completely eliminates the production of hazardous chemical waste. Our mission is to scale and deploy this technology to produce low-cost battery materials without the cost and negative environmental impacts of conventional mining practices.

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. Join us on our mission to reinvent critical minerals refining!

Position Overview: We are looking for a Senior Chemist with a strong technical background to support the development of our technology. In this role, you will advance our closed-loop mineral refining process by conducting lab-scale experiments, analyzing data, and generating insights that lead to process improvements. You will be responsible for hands-on experimentation to optimize unit operations based on innovative chemistry developed at MIT. The results of your work will be directly implemented into the operation of lab-scale pilots and will be crucial for scaling Rock Zero’s technology. Top candidates for this role will have the ability to design safe, scalable, and sustainable solutions to technical challenges and communicate their ideas in a clear manner.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-scale experiments to process mineral feedstocks under controlled process conditions
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to generate chemical insights that lead to process improvements
• Design and execute experimental campaigns to optimize individual unit operations in Rock Zero’s closed-loop chemical process
• Apply analytical techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to characterize process solutions and material outputs
• Collaborate with materials scientists, chemists, engineers, and safety officers to implement process improvements into lab-scale pilot experiments
• Develop innovative technical solutions that unlock step-change improvements in mineral refining schemes and align with commercial objectives
• Prepare and present technical presentations, reports, data summaries, and process improvement documents to both internal and external stakeholders
• Mentor and train junior research associates, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Maintain laboratory safety and ensure compliance with established protocols
  
  

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry, hydrometallurgy, or a related field
• 3+ years experience in a chemical R&D or analytical laboratory setting
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, NMR, TGA, XRD, and SEM-EDS)
• Deep knowledge of aqueous chemistry, hydrometallurgical processes, and/or mineral processing
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to critically analyze technical data and develop impactful solutions
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with a high attention to detail
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional environment
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive Wages: Compensation packages aligned with experience level and industry standards
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental & vision insurance, unlimited PTO/sick leave, 401k
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for skill development, hands-on learning, and career advancement in an dynamic, forward-thinking organization situated in the heart of innovation (Cambridge, MA)
• Collaborative Culture: Join a nimble, motivated team passionate about sustainability, technological innovation, and making the world a better place
• Opportunity for Impact: Work at an early-stage company developing groundbreaking technology in a rapidly growing industry
  
  

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 shaping the future of sustainable mining and mineral processing!