Position Summary
The R&D Laboratory Chemist is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, experimental research, analytical characterization, and process-development activities in support of research and development, product development, process optimization, and quality initiatives.
The position involves hands-on laboratory work with raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products, including sample preparation, chemical processing, instrumental analysis, data evaluation, troubleshooting, and technical reporting. The Chemist will work closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external laboratories to support development programs and resolve technical issues.
For a graphite/materials laboratory, the role will specifically support the characterization and development of graphite materials, including particle-size modification, purification, coating, carbonization, and evaluation of physical and chemical properties.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research and Development
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Plan and conduct laboratory experiments supporting product and process development.
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Perform bench-scale studies to evaluate processing conditions, raw materials, and process modifications.
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Support development and optimization of graphite processing operations, including purification, coating, carbonization, screening, and related processes.
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Evaluate the effects of process conditions on product properties and performance.
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Develop experimental plans and assist with Design of Experiments (DOE) when appropriate.
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Identify technical problems, investigate root causes, and recommend corrective or improvement actions.
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Support scale-up of successful laboratory processes to pilot and production operations.
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Maintain detailed and traceable experimental records.
2. Laboratory Testing and Characterization
Perform or coordinate analytical and physical characterization of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, including:
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Particle size distribution (PSD)
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BET specific surface area
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Tap and bulk density
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Moisture content
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Ash and fixed-carbon analysis
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ICP-OES elemental analysis
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X-ray diffraction (XRD)
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pH and conductivity
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Other physical and chemical characterization methods as required
Review analytical results for accuracy, consistency, and technical significance.
3. Sample Preparation and Chemical Processing
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Prepare samples for analytical testing and R&D experiments.
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Perform microwave acid digestion and other chemical sample-preparation procedures.
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Prepare acids, bases, standards, calibration solutions, and other laboratory reagents.
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Conduct laboratory-scale purification, leaching, washing, filtration, drying, heat-treatment, and related experiments.
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Conduct laboratory-scale pitch mixing, carbonization, and related experiments.
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Handle graphite and chemical reagents in accordance with established safety procedures.
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Maintain proper sample identification, labeling, storage, and traceability.
4. Data Analysis and Technical Reporting
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Analyze experimental and analytical data using Excel and other appropriate software.
- Perform statistical evaluation of laboratory results when required.
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Prepare tables, graphs, control charts, and technical summaries.
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Interpret relationships between processing conditions and material properties.
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Prepare laboratory reports, R&D reports, technical memoranda, and presentations.
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Clearly document experimental objectives, procedures, observations, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
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Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy laboratory records.
5. Quality Assurance and Laboratory Systems
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Follow established laboratory quality-control procedures.
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Use standards, blanks, duplicates, reference materials, and control samples as required.
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Review QC data and identify results requiring investigation or retesting.
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Maintain laboratory documentation and sample traceability.
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Participate in internal laboratory audits and corrective/preventive action activities.
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Support development and implementation of laboratory quality systems consistent with ISO 17025 principles where applicable.
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Assist with laboratory information management and electronic data-recording systems.
6. Laboratory Safety
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Follow all Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
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Properly handle acids, bases, solvents, powders, and other laboratory chemicals.
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Follow appropriate procedures when operating furnaces, microwave digestion equipment, XRD systems, and other laboratory equipment.
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Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and appropriate chemical labeling.
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Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Participate in laboratory safety inspections and hazard assessments.
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Properly segregate, label, store, and dispose of laboratory wastes.
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Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, spills, and incidents.
Education and Experience
Required
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Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or a closely related scientific discipline.
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Laboratory experience involving chemical analysis, materials characterization, or process-development testing.
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Experience with laboratory sample preparation and wet-chemistry techniques.
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Ability to accurately document laboratory procedures and experimental results.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general laboratory data management.
Preferred
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Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
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2–5 years of industrial or R&D laboratory experience.
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Experience working with graphite, carbon materials, battery materials, minerals, or other advanced materials.
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Experience with ICP-OES, XRD, BET, PSD, SEM, or similar analytical techniques.
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Experience with laboratory-scale mineral processing or chemical purification.
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Experience developing SOPs and laboratory test methods.
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Familiarity with ISO 17025 or similar laboratory quality-management systems.
Knowledge and Skills
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
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Strong laboratory and experimental skills.
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Understanding of analytical chemistry and materials characterization.
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Ability to independently plan and execute laboratory experiments.
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Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis skills.
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Ability to recognize questionable analytical results and investigate potential causes.
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Understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices.
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Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
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Ability to organize and manage multiple samples and projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to communicate technical results to scientists, engineers, management, and operations personnel.
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Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Physical and Work Requirements
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Ability to work safely in a chemical and materials laboratory environment.
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Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, laboratory coats, gloves, and respiratory protection when required.
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Ability to handle laboratory chemicals and powdered materials.
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Ability to lift and move laboratory samples and containers up to approximately 25–50 lb., as permitted by company safety requirements.
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Ability to perform laboratory work involving standing, sample preparation, equipment operation, and repetitive measurements.
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Occasional work outside normal laboratory hours may be required to support time-dependent experiments or equipment operation.
Westwater Resources and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer– and a drug – free workplace.
