Lead Analytical Chemist: Pilot Plant Operations
Lithium Americas is a development-stage company with a focus on developing a sustainable, diversified supply of lithium chemicals that underpin the future of energy storage and mobile transportation. We unlock value through safe operation of our sites, understanding the key value drivers and needs of our customers and the communities in which we operate, and taking an innovative and practical approach to the challenges we face. We work closely as an organization and with key stakeholders to deliver solutions.
Role
The Lead Analytical Chemist will be tasked with supporting Lithium Nevada’s efforts in building and operating an integrated continuous pilot plant. You will act as the lead operator of analytical instrumentation at the Lithium Americas’ Technical Center. The major analytical instrumentation includes: Agilent 5500/5600 ICP-OES, Malvern Mastersizer 3000, Thermo ICS 6000 ion chromatograph, and Thermo iCE 3000 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer.
A major aspect of the role is the ability to operate and troubleshoot analytical equipment in a process type environment. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems is also strongly desired. The successful candidate will be highly motivated with a desire to learn and be part of a flexible team, where priorities and procedures may change frequently. You will be responsible for ensuring data integrity, QC and ensuring timely throughput of samples through the lab. You will supervise a team of 2 sample prep technicians and will be interacting with shifting operations crews (6-8 people/shift). Therefore, you should be comfortable with open communication across multiple teams and acting in a supervisory role. The candidate must be a proven analytical chemist in the areas of mining or chemical process manufacturing and have demonstrated successful method development and productivity improvements in analytical chemistry.
The position will be based in Reno, Nevada. 12-hour day shifts (4 on, 3 off) will be required for a period of time.
Responsibilities
As a key member of the team, we would look to you to deliver on the following:
- Run, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation in a process laboratory.
- Ensure proper sample QC procedures and input of data into a laboratory information management system.
- Contribute to creating/writing SOPs and QC reports.
- Solve problems and contribute ideas to improve analytical laboratory operations.
- Supervise/direct a crew of 2 sample prep technicians.
- Monitor the inventory of consumables and reagents to ensure there are enough supplies to keep up with testing schedules.
- Train plant and technical personnel in proper sampling procedures, operation of QC and R&D equipment and QC record keeping when required.
- Interface with R&D/Engineering and Operations as an analytical lab representative.
- Help ensure a safe working environment, being a visible leader for safety, and providing a daily commitment to zero harm to employees, contractors, environment at the Technical Center.
- Ensure Environmental considerations are a close second to Safety in all aspects of project and operations in the Technical Center.
Requirements
- BS/MS in analytical chemistry or equivalent and relevant experience in an analytical laboratory required.
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ core cultural values of safety, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
- Effective and open communication.
- Ability to multi-task and run several projects/tasks in parallel. As this is a process environment, sample loads may change depending on priority.
- Be a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energy.
- Bring a positive attitude and have fun in the workplace! We strive to create and maintain an enjoyable and comfortable work environment.
- Familiarity with other general chemistry methods: titrations, dilutions, stock solution makeup.
- Comfortable with training others.
Lithium Nevada Corp. (LNC) is a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC). Lithium Americas Corp. is a Canadian publicly listed company with two advanced-stage lithium development projects, in Argentina and Nevada, USA. We value diversity in the workplace and are committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
