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Critical Minerals Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Process & Lab Technician

Moab, UT · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

About Mariana Minerals Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company ... You will play a critical role in bridging leaching research and laboratory analytics with plant ...

Mariana Minerals

Sr. Metallurgical Process Engineer

Moab, UT · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

... supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're ... You will work closely with R&D, technicians, metallurgists, and cross-functional teams to ensure ...

Mariana Minerals

Materials Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're ... Role Overview Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to join our R&D and ...

Venn

Critical Infrastructure - Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... critical minerals, defense, energy, infrastructure security, environmental, transportation ... Research, analysis, and writing on client priorities to produce in-depth memos of relevant policy ...

Mariana Minerals

Analytical Applications Engineer

Moab, UT · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're ... Hands-on experience (academic, internship, or research) with ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, or ...

Nth Cycle

Lab Specialist

Burlington, MA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition is growing exponentially. Yet, we know ... The ideal candidate works well across teams, operates safely in an R&D space, and stops to ask ...

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All JobsCritical Minerals Researcher Jobs

Critical Minerals Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do critical minerals researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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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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.

Director, R&D Rare Earth Elements Electrolytic Cells

Nth Cycle

Burlington, MA • On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition is growing exponentially. Yet, we know mining deeper and broader, and building landfills higher and wider, works against our fight to save the planet. At Nth Cycle, we see the path forward. We believe the critical minerals needed for the energy transition are already in circulation today. We just didn’t have a clean, profitable way of retrieving them, until now. 
Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company. Our electro-extraction technology helps recyclers and miners capture more critical minerals—for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, among other things—while dramatically reducing costs and emissions. We are the heart of metals processing; we are the crucial step that profitably separates critical minerals from other elements, transforming them into production-grade feedstocks for the energy transition.

Our Culture:
You won’t find another team like ours. We believe in open, honest communication, and enjoying our work while changing the world. And we value the perspectives and opinions of our colleagues while pushing each other to excel. We’re a dynamic team looking for a new team member who’s also passionate about addressing climate change and advancing the clean energy industry. Consistent with our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we value colleagues with the ability to work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people.
If this is you, keep reading.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on REE Cell Design Director to spearhead the design, development, and optimization of advanced electrochemical cells tailored for metal leaching and recovery from waste streams and ores. Utilizing principles from traditional chlor-alkali membrane electrolysis, you will lead the creation of next-generation, sustainable electrolyzers that produce high-purity metals while simultaneously generating valuable byproducts like chlorine and/or hydrochloric acid. This role bridges the gap between electrochemistry, mechanical design, and commercial-scale implementation.

The ideal candidate combines strong expertise in electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and materials science with demonstrated leadership in developing and scaling industrial electrolytic processes. The position requires a hands-on technical leader capable of driving innovation while managing multidisciplinary R&D programs and teams.

Key Responsibilities:
Research & Technology Development:
  • Lead R&D programs focused on electrolytic cell design and electrochemical process development for Rare Earth Elements deposition.
  • Investigate and optimize cell chemistry, electrolyte composition, additives, operating parameters, and electrochemical performance.
  • Research and evaluate cell construction materials, including electrode materials, membranes, coatings, separators, and corrosion-resistant components.
  • Develop innovative approaches to improve current efficiency, deposition quality, metal recovery, selectivity, and energy consumption.
  • Advance understanding of electrodeposition mechanisms, nucleation, growth behavior, and impurity impacts within electrolytic systems.
Cell Materials & Electrochemistry:
  • Lead studies on anode and cathode materials, surface engineering, passivation, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle performance.
  • Evaluate and optimize electrode geometry, current distribution, electrolyte flow, and mass transfer characteristics.
  • Design and oversee electrochemical testing programs including:
    • Cyclic voltammetry
    • Polarization studies
    • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
    • Deposition characterization and performance analysis
  • Support development of novel materials and advanced electrolytic cell architectures for critical mineral recovery.
Leadership & Program Management:
  • Manage and mentor R&D scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel.
  • Define R&D roadmaps, technical priorities, and experimental programs aligned with business strategy.
  • Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, patent disclosures, and technology documentation.
  • Collaborate with external research institutions, suppliers, and strategic partners when applicable.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemical Engineering, or related discipline; Master’s or PhD preferred.
  • Minimum 10–15 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in electrolytic systems, hydrometallurgy, or electrochemical process development.
  • Demonstrated expertise in electrodeposition, electrowinning, electrorefining, or electrochemical materials development.
  • Strong technical background in:
    • Electrochemistry
    • Electrolyte chemistry
    • Corrosion and materials science
    • Mass transfer and transport phenomena
    • Industrial electrochemical systems
    • Chlor-Alkali experience

Salary: $180K to $220K