Analytical Chemist Materials Scientist

Demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition is growing exponentially. Yet, we know mining deeper and broader, and building landfills higher and wider, works against our fight to save the planet. At Nth Cycle, we see the path forward. We believe the critical minerals needed for the energy transition are already in circulation today. We just didn’t have a clean, profitable way of retrieving them, until now.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company. Our electro-extraction technology helps recyclers and miners capture more critical minerals—for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, among other things—while dramatically reducing costs and emissions. We are the heart of metals processing; we are the crucial step that profitably separates critical minerals from other elements, transforming them into production-grade feedstocks for the energy transition.

Our Culture:

You won’t find another team like ours. We believe in open, honest communication, and enjoying our work while changing the world. We work quickly but with intention—we’ve scaled our technology in size 100x in the past year. We’re mission-oriented and think big—we’re focused on reducing gigatons CO2 emissions from the atmosphere by 2050. And we value the perspectives and opinions of our colleagues while pushing each other to excel.

We’re a dynamic team looking for a new team member who’s also passionate about addressing climate change and advancing the clean energy industry. Consistent with our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we value colleagues with the ability to work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people.

If this is you, keep reading.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Analytical Chemist / Materials Scientist to support the development and optimization of innovative material processing and recovery technologies. In a role similar to those at companies like Nth Cycle, you will work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and sustainability—helping transform critical material supply chains.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute analytical experiments to characterize raw materials, intermediates, and final products.
• Utilize techniques such as:
  • ICP-OES / ICP-MS.
  • XRF, XRD.
  • SEM/EDS.
  • Chromatography (HPLC, GC, IC, CIC).
• Develop and validate analytical methods for trace metals and material impurities.
• Support process development by analyzing material flows and recovery efficiency.
• Interpret complex datasets and present actionable insights to R&D and engineering teams.
• Maintain lab equipment, calibration standards, and documentation in compliance with safety and quality protocols.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemical engineers, process engineers, and product teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s in:
  • Chemistry.
  • Materials Science.
  • Chemical Engineering.
  • or a related field.
• 2+ years (or equivalent academic experience) in analytical chemistry or materials characterization.
• Hands-on experience with at least 2–3 advanced analytical techniques.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a lab environment with strict safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with metal recovery, battery materials, or mining/recycling processes.
• Familiarity with electrochemistry or separation technologies.
• Knowledge of DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical analysis.

Key Skills:

• Analytical instrumentation expertise.
• Data interpretation and statistical analysis.
• Attention to detail and experimental rigor.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical communication (reports, presentations).

Work Environment:

• Lab-based with some pilot-scale or industrial exposure.
• Fast-paced, startup or innovation-driven setting.
• Opportunity to work on climate and sustainability-focused technologies.

Why This Role Matters:

This position plays a critical role in advancing technologies that recover and reuse critical materials (e.g., lithium, rare earths), helping reduce reliance on traditional mining and enabling a more sustainable future.