Salary/Position Classification

• $120,000+, dependent on experience, Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: No

Purpose of Position

Are you a chemist with a flair for innovative laboratory research? Ready to contribute to pioneering research in energy development and natural resource management? We’re looking for a Principal Research Chemist to join our exceptional team at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)!

Join the EERC, an international leader in energy and environmental research and a nonprofit branch of the University of North Dakota, which gives our employees access to unbeatable benefits and tuition waivers. Learn more about the EERC at undeerc.org.

Be a part of cutting-edge research, engage with professionals who share your passion, and create work you can be proud of. As a Principal Research Chemist, you will contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following:

• Work in strong collaboration with EERC subject matter experts, principal investigators, and EERC Leadership to conduct laboratory analyses and experiments and interpret laboratory data to support research activities related to energy development, carbon management, and development of natural resources.    
• Work as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to ensure that laboratory work is completed on time, on budget, and within client expectations.
• Perform analytical research focused on chemical and geochemical evaluation of critical minerals, various combustion fuels and by-products, catalysts, water, oil, rocks, and other natural and human-made materials.
• Ensure that laboratory data and results are of excellent quality and integrated with the theoretical, modeling, and field components of related EERC research efforts.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and assist in regular reviews and updates to laboratory safety plans. 
• Work closely with senior staff, project managers, and laboratory staff to develop and expand the research-based efforts in the laboratories.
• Provide technical assistance on projects related to critical minerals and rare earth element analysis, extraction, separation, and purification, geologic materials characterization, and/or the evaluation of geochemical reactions between fluids/gases and geologic formations, cements, metals and/or other manmade materials.
• Travel as required.

The EERC is recognized as a global leader in developing clean, efficient energy solutions. With a dedicated team of over 270, we collaboratively develop innovative technologies to power the world efficiently while safeguarding our air, water, and soil. Trusted by over 1300 clients in 53 countries, our mission is to provide practical, pioneering solutions to the world’s energy and environmental challenges.

Required Competencies

• Experience working on applied scientific research projects
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation maintenance and light repair/modifications
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated laboratory management experience
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Knowledge and willingness to learn about new technologies
• Adherence to and promotion of good safety practices in the workplace and field
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail
• Experience preparing proposals, technical reports, and documents and preparing and delivering technical presentations

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related field with strong fundamental knowledge of analytical chemistry
• 10 years of scientific research experience working in the energy or mining industry or at a research facility, a national laboratory, or a commercial laboratory
• 6 years of experience working in a laboratory environment, including data analysis and processing, adherence to and implementation of laboratory safety and quality assurance/quality control protocols
• 6 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: critical minerals analysis, extraction, separation, and purification; the analysis and evaluation of subsurface media and/or fluids as they pertain to oil and gas development or subsurface storage of CO2, hydrogen, natural gas, or natural gas liquids; corrosion analysis and evaluation; solid and liquid fuels analysis; or brine characterization
• Cover letter and resume/CV
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related field
• 15 or more years of scientific research experience in the energy or mining industry, a research facility, a national laboratory, or a commercial laboratory
• 5 years of experience managing an analytical research laboratory
• Demonstrated experience cultivating, developing, proposing, and executing topically relevant research opportunities aligned with the EERC’s core research portfolio
• Experience with ICP-MS or ICP-OES analysis of trace metals, including rare earth elements and other critical minerals
• Proficiency and experience with one or more of the following: experimental design, analytical methods development, gas chromatography and hydrocarbon analysis, or geochemistry

To Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted by July 12, 2024.