7.7 R&D Scientist - Leadership Development Program
Phoenix Tailings
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on Jun 22, 2025
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, 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
This intensive program is designed for individuals ready to immerse themselves in complex chemical and materials systems, push their personal limits, and build the foundation for future leadership within the company. Success in this program will require dedication, a willingness to work long days and adapt to any shift the company needs, and the flexibility to step outside of traditional job descriptions to support critical projects.
This program is not for everyone, but for those who want to challenge themselves, lead the future of clean metals production, and leave their mark on the world, Phoenix Tailings offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct hands-on laboratory experiments focused on rare earth and critical metal separation, extraction, and purification
- Analyze material samples using advanced analytical instrumentation to validate and optimize processes
- Collaborate directly with chemical, materials, production, and commercial teams to scale R&D insights into full-scale operations and ensure technical feasibility in real environments
- Perform root cause analysis and continuous improvement studies on experimental failures and quality deviations
- Support the development of new processes, novel reagents, and synthesis techniques that enable clean metal production
- Maintain rigorous lab documentation, data tracking, and reporting protocols
- Rotate through different R&D domains to develop a comprehensive understanding of Phoenix’s technologies and commercial impact
Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field
- Experience conducting lab-based research and working with analytical tools (ICP, TGA, XRD, IGA, etc.)
- Experience in electrochemical systems, molten salts, solid-state chemistry, high-temperature reactions, or materials synthesis
- Strong scientific problem-solving skills and familiarity with process chemistry or materials characterization
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Passion for innovation, sustainability, and building foundational technologies for the future
- Strong desire to grow into a leadership role in a mission-driven industrial technology company
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- 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).
