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Critical Minerals Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICF

On Call Critical Minerals Expert - Remote

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$20.50 - $21/hr

Senior Critical Minerals Expert (On-Call, Part-Time/Hourly/Remote) Are you a critical minerals and ... and magnet research, and facilitate recycling (including black mass and other battery materials)

Spgi

$120K/yr

Principal Consultant - Critical Minerals (USA) This role will contribute to the growth of our ... CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and ...

Spgi

Principal Consultant - Critical Minerals

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K/yr

Principal Consultant - Critical Minerals (USA) This role will contribute to the growth of our ... CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and ...

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Critical Minerals Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do critical minerals researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for critical minerals researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a critical minerals researcher?

Critical minerals researchers are scientists and analysts who study minerals that are essential for modern technologies and economic development, but are at risk of supply disruptions. They investigate the occurrence, extraction, processing, and recycling of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are crucial for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy systems. Their work helps identify supply chain vulnerabilities, guide policy decisions, and promote sustainable resource management to secure access to these vital materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a critical minerals researcher?

To thrive as a Critical Minerals Researcher, you need a solid background in geology, materials science, or environmental science, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Proficiency with mineral analysis software, GIS mapping tools, and laboratory instrumentation is typically required, along with familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help researchers interpret data and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for advancing sustainable resource development, informing policy, and addressing supply chain challenges in critical minerals.

What is the difference between Critical Minerals Researcher vs Geologist?

AspectCritical Minerals ResearcherGeologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Geology or Earth Sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, research institutionsField sites, laboratories, consulting firms
Industry UsageMining companies, government agencies, research organizationsMining, environmental consulting, academia
Common Search IntentResearch roles focused on critical mineralsGeological analysis and exploration

The Critical Minerals Researcher and Geologist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Critical Minerals Researchers focus specifically on the study and development of critical mineral resources, often involving specialized research and data analysis, while Geologists have a broader scope including exploration, mapping, and environmental assessments.

What are some common challenges faced by critical minerals researchers in their day-to-day work?

Critical Minerals Researchers often encounter challenges such as limited access to up-to-date geological data, evolving global supply chains, and the need to balance environmental considerations with resource extraction. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, policy analysts, and industry stakeholders—requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, researchers must stay current with rapidly changing technologies and regulations, which can impact research priorities and methodologies.
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What cities are hiring for Critical Minerals Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Critical Minerals Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Critical Minerals Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Critical Minerals Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Critical Minerals Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Critical Minerals Researcher jobs are:
Critical Minerals Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Critical Minerals Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

On Call Critical Minerals Expert - Remote

ICF

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$20.50 - $21/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Senior Critical Minerals Expert (On-Call, Part-Time/Hourly/Remote)

Are you a critical minerals and materials expert with a deep understanding of the end-to-end supply chain-from mining and mineral processing to manufacturing, recycling, and commercialization? We need you.

ICF is seeking an on-call Critical Minerals Expert to support work with the ICF's federal, state, local, and private sector clients. This is a remote, on-call role that provides flexibility to work from zero to 30+ hours per week, depending on project needs.

In this role, you will help advance priorities aligned with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) direction-including efforts to accelerate mining activities, diversify critical mineral and metals supply chains, stimulate innovation in processing and metallurgy, expand battery and magnet research, and facilitate recycling (including black mass and other battery materials).


You may also support collaboration and engagement activities aligned with DOE's broader innovation ecosystem for critical materials-focused on coordination, commercialization, workforce development, and industry adoption of new technologies.

What you will be doing:

  • Providing subject matter expertise across the critical minerals and materials value chain (upstream mining to downstream manufacturing and circularity), with emphasis on U.S. supply chain resilience and energy innovation priorities.

  • Supporting DOE CMEI technical and programmatic efforts related to:

    • Mining and mineral production acceleration and modernization

    • Processing, separation, refining, and metallurgy innovation

    • Battery, magnet, and advanced materials supply chains

    • Recycling and circular economy approaches, including battery materials

  • Producing or reviewing high-quality client deliverables such as: market and supply chain assessments, technical memos, landscape scans, program design inputs, stakeholder summaries, and briefings-reflective of ICF and client standards.

  • Helping identify and evaluate opportunities to improve critical materials security through strategies that align with DOE's CMM program focus areas (e.g., broaden supply, develop alternatives, improve manufacturing efficiency, reuse/recycle).

  • Supporting stakeholder engagement with industry, states, communities, labs, and other partners-helping translate technical topics into clear, actionable insights.

  • Contributing to or reviewing content for communications products (fact sheets, case studies, website copy, outreach materials) that describe complex technical work accurately and accessibly.

  • Supporting proposal/capture efforts by providing technical solutioning, win themes, or rapid-turn inputs for DOE, state, and private sector opportunities in critical minerals and mining.

  • Bringing a client-first, quality-driven mindset, consistent with ICF's emphasis on actionable guidance and timely, high-quality delivery.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as mining engineering, geology, metallurgical/materials engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, earth sciences, or a related technical discipline.

  • 10+ years of demonstrated experience in critical minerals and materials, including one or more of the following: mining/mineral economics, mineral processing, separation/refining, metallurgy, battery materials, rare earths, recycling/circularity, manufacturing supply chains, or resource strategy.

  • Strong understanding of critical mineral supply chain risks and resilience strategies, and the intersection with energy technology, manufacturing, and national security objectives.

  • Experience producing client-ready technical deliverables (memos, reports, briefings) with a high standard of clarity, accuracy, and defensibility.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; comfort collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams and working directly with clients and stakeholders.

  • Ability to work effectively in an on-call capacity, flexing time and workload based on project needs

Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical discipline (materials/metallurgical engineering, mining engineering, geology, chemical engineering, etc.).

  • Experience supporting federal programs (DOE preferred) or national lab/innovation ecosystem engagements related to applied RD&D, commercialization pathways, or technology-to-market transitions.

  • Familiarity with the types of priorities CMEI has emphasized under its current structure-e.g., supply chain diversification, processing/metallurgy innovation, battery/magnet R&D, and recycling of battery materials/black mass.

  • Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following:

    • Techno-economic analysis (TEA), cost/market modeling, or supply chain scenario analysis

    • Circular economy program design; recycling system assessments

    • Sustainability considerations in mining and materials processing

    • Permitting/regulatory context (e.g., environmental review considerations)

  • Strong data analysis skills (Excel and/or equivalent tools); ability to interpret and communicate complex datasets clearly.

  • Professional credentials (preferred as relevant): Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG), SME credentials, Certified Professional Geologist (CPG), PMP, or other relevant certifications.

Why you will love working here:

  • Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements and work-life balance

  • Investment in community: Donation matching and volunteer opportunities

  • Investment in you: 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, sick leave, and access to professional development resources

  • Mission-driven impact: Help advance practical solutions that strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains and energy innovation priorities.

  • A deep bench and collaborative culture: Work alongside teams known for delivering trusted, actionable guidance with agility and responsiveness.

  • And many more! Ask your recruiter for more details.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$89,649.00 - $152,404.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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