Scientist III, Analytical Chemistry en Electra

Who we are:  

Electra is reinventing ironmaking from the ground up with a breakthrough electrochemical technology that produces high purity clean iron and critical co-minerals. With two operating pilots in Boulder and a new demonstration facility underway in Jefferson County, we’re on track to reach commercial scale by the end of the decade. Backed by over $300 million and strategic partnerships with global leaders across mining, steel, and big tech, momentum is on our side.  Recognized by Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company and a Next Big Thing in Tech, and named one of TIME’s 100 Climate Leaders, we’re building a company shaping the future of industry. If you’re looking to make an impact and join a team that’s driven, focused, and scaling, 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