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Our client is seeking an experienced Process and Synthetic Chemist to support its Mining and Metals division. The role focuses on developing novel molecules and synthetic processes for applications in mineral processing, hydrometallurgical refining, and electro- and metal-finishing.
The selected candidate will independently design and execute synthesis campaigns, optimize chemical routes based on cost and scalability, evaluate process safety, and deliver characterized materials for product development.
This position requires a hands-on synthetic chemist capable of developing molecules from concept through laboratory-scale production while balancing technical feasibility, commercial cost, and safety requirements.
Design and execute synthesis campaigns across heterocyclic, aromatic, chelating-ligand, and phenolic condensation chemistry.
Deliver approximately 100 grams of fully characterized material per synthesis campaign.
Develop and optimize synthetic routes for new molecules supporting mining and metals applications.
Evaluate reaction conditions, yields, reagent selection, and synthetic efficiency.
Independently develop molecules that meet technical and commercial product requirements.
Select synthetic routes based on delivered cost per kilogram.
Evaluate step count, reaction type, yield, reagent selection, and raw material costs.
Develop cost models to determine the commercial feasibility of proposed molecules.
Identify and eliminate economically unviable candidates before laboratory development.
Defend route-selection decisions using technical and financial data.
Conduct reaction calorimetry and thermal characterization before finalizing process conditions.
Evaluate potential runaway reactions and exothermic hazards.
Develop safe quenching procedures, including cooling requirements and acid-gas handling.
Assess risks associated with corrosive workups and hazardous or carcinogenic reagents.
Incorporate process safety considerations into synthetic route selection and scale-up planning.
Develop and evaluate chelating ligands for selective metal binding and extraction.
Support applications involving:
Gallium separation from zinc and alumina processing circuits.
Manganese and magnesium separation in battery-metal processing.
Nickel and cobalt refining.
Evaluate ligand selectivity and suitability for industrial metal extraction applications.
Collaborate with metallurgy teams to advance commercially viable extraction chemistries.
Operate and specify laboratory equipment, including:
Jacketed reactors ranging from 1 to 20 liters, with dosing and temperature control.
Pressure reactors and catalytic hydrogenation equipment.
Rotary evaporators.
Column chromatography systems.
Reaction calorimetry equipment.
Dedicated laboratory hoods for highly hazardous reagents.
Prepare detailed synthetic procedures and process documentation.
Ensure synthesis campaigns can be reproduced independently by other chemists.
Coordinate multiple synthesis campaigns across product development timelines.
Prioritize laboratory activities based on technical feasibility, commercial requirements, and project deadlines.
Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations to technical leadership.
Candidates should meet one of the following:
PhD in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry, with at least 3 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
Bachelor's or Master's degree with at least 8 years of industrial synthetic route-development experience.
Strong hands-on experience in organic synthesis and process chemistry.
Experience with phenolic, aromatic, and heterocyclic synthesis.
Broad knowledge of classical organic bond-forming reactions.
Hands-on experience with catalytic hydrogenation and pressure reactor operation.
Demonstrated ability to deliver at least 100 grams of characterized synthetic material.
Experience developing and optimizing multistep synthetic routes.
Ability to calculate and compare synthetic route costs per kilogram.
Experience incorporating process safety and hazard evaluation into route development.
Strong analytical characterization skills, including:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document synthesis campaigns.
Advanced heterocyclic synthesis experience.
Condensation polymer chemistry.
Molecular-weight control of phenolic oligomers.
Metal extraction chemistry, including:
Chelating ligands
Solvent extraction reagents
Flotation collectors
Ion-exchange resin synthesis
Reaction calorimetry and runaway exotherm characterization.
Experience working under procurement controls involving documented explosives precursors.
Flow chemistry experience, particularly involving exothermic or corrosive reactions.
Complete the first synthesis campaign.
Deliver approximately 100 grams of fully characterized material.
Establish a defensible estimate of the organic loading required for the associated product line.
Deliver the lead chelating-ligand synthesis campaign or discontinue it based on documented technical or commercial evidence.
Establish reliable project timelines for dependent product lines.
Identify, evaluate, and cost at least two additional molecular candidates.
Maintain at least one viable alternative candidate for a product line that does not meet its 2027 evaluation criteria.
Location: Boulder / Lafayette, Colorado
Work Arrangement: Fully onsite, five days per week
Hands-on laboratory work involving organic synthesis, process development, and potentially hazardous chemicals.
Regular operation of laboratory reactors, analytical equipment, and chemical processing systems.
Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant experience.
Benefits Include:
Medical Coverage: A range of healthcare plans, with many options fully covered for employees and dependents.
401(k) Retirement Plan: Employer match of up to 4% of eligible compensation.
Paid Time Off: Vacation, paid company holidays, and an end-of-year shutdown.
Equity: Equity opportunities commensurate with experience.
Our client is an innovative chemical technology company developing advanced molecules and scalable chemical processes for critical industrial applications.
Its technology portfolio includes rocket-grade fuels, advanced energetics, rare-earth extractants, and specialty chemicals used in strategically important industries.
The organization focuses on creating cleaner, scalable, and more reliable chemical supply chains by developing new molecular pathways and reducing dependence on traditional petroleum-based processes.
With early commercial revenue and key technical milestones achieved, the company is expanding its development and manufacturing capabilities.