JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Scientist on the R & D team, you will focus on developing new approaches and sustainable recycling process steps for converting rare earth containing waste into valuable products. Your role will be dedicated to expanding Cyclic Materials’ capabilities, including work in metallization of REEs and supporting ongoing projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the development, optimization, and implementation of metallization processes for rare earth metals and alloys. This role plays a crucial part in advancing our capabilities in material science, particularly in the application of rare earth materials for electronic, aerospace, energy, and other high-performance industries. Most of your time will be spent in the lab performing experiments and characterizing products and raw materials. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Kingston, ON. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and is excited to make a meaningful impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate degree in any stream aligned with the job requirements
• At least 3 years of proven experience in the metallization (Carbothermic Reduction or Molten salt electrolysis) of rare earths, titanium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum.
• Knowledge and direct experience with electrochemical and metallothermic methods for metal reduction
• Experience with fluorination and chlorination of rare earth oxides
• Capable of designing and conducting metal refining processes such as vacuum distillation, zone refining and electrorefining
• Excellent knowledge of pyrometallurgical and electrometallurgical processes
• Demonstrated ability to analyze experimental data, reach conclusions, and communicate results
• Excellent knowledge of software for phase diagrams and other thermodynamic calculations (FactSage, Thermo-Calc, etc.)
• Familiarity with chemical engineering (e.g., mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport phenomena) and electrochemistry principles (e.g., charge transfer, Current-Voltage relationships)
• Candidates with extensive industrial experience on metallization are welcome to apply in lieu of above-mentioned qualifications
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A safety-first mindset: share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes
• Knowledge of milling, and physical separation methods is an asset
• Experience or the desire to be in a dynamic startup environment
• A critical thinking mindset and focus on finding answers
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows

• Review of existing metallization technologies for rare earths and come up with new innovative ideas
• Design, develop, and optimize metallization techniques for rare earth elements and alloys
• Design, setup, and perform novel experiments to test and define new process steps
• Perform standardized bench-scale experiments to evaluate materials and process parameters
• Prepare standard reports, presentations, and summarize experimental results clearly and concisely to other team members
• Support ongoing operations, R&D test work and Cyclic goals as needed