Scientist III, Analytical Chemistry

Who we are:  

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

As a Scientist III, Analytical Chemistry on the Development team, you serve as a fully qualified, experienced professional with deep expertise in analytical chemistry methods for metals analysis in solids and solutions. You lead and execute complex analytical work to support R&D and engineering initiatives, independently drive method development and problem resolution, and provide advanced technical guidance across the organization. This role requires sound judgment, creative problem-solving, and the ability to adapt established approaches to address novel or ambiguous analytical challenges. 

Responsibilities include:

• Independently develop, validate, optimize, and execute analytical methods to support evolving R&D, engineering, and operational needs 
• Perform routine to complex sample analyses within established turnaround times while ensuring data accuracy, quality, and reliability 
• Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving techniques to assess unusual or ambiguous results, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate actions 
• Serve as a technical resource for metals analysis, including interpretation of analytical data, uncertainty evaluation, and method limitations  
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and optimize analytical instrumentation with minimal supervision  
• Support advanced diagnostics and coordinate repairs or corrective actions for laboratory instrumentation as needed 
• Author, revise, and maintain SOPs, test methods, technical reports, and laboratory documentation in accordance with quality requirements  
• Evaluate emerging analytical technologies, methodologies, and instrumentation and provide recommendations based on technical feasibility and laboratory needs.  
• Provide technical input regarding laboratory equipment selection, capabilities, and future analytical requirements 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support laboratory priorities, project objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives 
• Communicate analytical findings, technical recommendations, and potential risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders 
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners and adapt communication style to differing audiences 
• Provide informal technical guidance and mentoring to junior scientists, analysts, or laboratory personnel as needed 
• Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, organization, and compliance activities  
• Follow all workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and safe laboratory practices; proactively identify and communicate potential safety concerns 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor 

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline required. 
• 5+ years of related industry experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and other school projects)
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of analytical chemistry principles, theories, and practices within area of specialization 
• Extensive hands-on experience with ICP-OES, including method development, validation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization 
• Experience operating and interpreting data from multiple analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, and elemental analyzers 
• Strong experience with complex sample preparation techniques, including four-acid digestion and fusion methods 
• Ability to work independently on problems of diverse scope where analysis requires evaluation of identifiable and sometimes incomplete factors 
• Demonstrated ability to use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select appropriate methods and resolve issues using existing and modified approaches 
• Skilled in identifying root causes and resolving analytical issues through creative and practical problem-solving techniques 
• Ability to independently manage assigned work, with review occurring primarily at critical milestones or key deliverables 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical information to both technical and non-technical audiences 
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and build productive working relationships 
• Ability to advise others on technical analytical matters and contribute specialized subject matter expertise to team discussions