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What is a remote membrane scientist?

Remote Membrane Scientists are professionals who specialize in the study, development, and optimization of membrane technologies, such as filtration, separation, and purification processes, while working remotely. They may work in industries like water treatment, biotechnology, or energy, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with teams through digital platforms. Their work involves designing new membrane materials, improving existing processes, and ensuring the efficient operation of membrane systems. Remote Membrane Scientists leverage virtual communication tools to coordinate with colleagues, access laboratory data, and contribute to research projects from off-site locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote membrane scientist?

To thrive as a Remote Membrane Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, often demonstrated by an advanced degree and research experience in membrane technologies. Familiarity with analytical instruments, membrane simulation software, and laboratory data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, self-motivation, and effective virtual communication are standout soft skills for success in a remote setting. These competencies ensure high-quality research, collaboration, and innovation in developing advanced membrane materials and processes from a distance.

What are some common challenges remote membrane scientists face, and how can they overcome them?

Remote membrane scientists often encounter challenges related to limited access to laboratory facilities and in-person collaboration with colleagues. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to leverage virtual collaboration tools, maintain clear communication with lab-based team members, and participate in regular video meetings to stay engaged with ongoing research. Additionally, remote scientists can focus on data analysis, literature reviews, and computational modeling, which can be effectively performed off-site. Building strong relationships with both remote and on-site colleagues helps ensure successful project outcomes and professional growth.

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Infographic showing various Remote Membrane Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Rare Earth Elements SME

Fairfax, VA • On-site, Remote

Pivot Path Solutions
See more jobs at Pivot Path Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Based in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Pivot Path Solutions, LLC , is a government contracting and business solutions firm that offers enterprise IT solutions, strategic and acquisition planning, organizational development, and medical research and analytics services to help customers adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. Pivot Path Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Rare Earth Elements (REE) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our growing portfolio with our public sector clients. This role provides high-level scientific, technical, and strategic expertise supporting federal R&D initiatives focused on critical minerals, rare earth extraction, processing, separation, recycling, and commercialization. The REE SME guides technology development, field demonstrations, and strategic program decisions across exploration, mineralogy, mining, beneficiation, hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, and materials applications.
This role ensures technical excellence, regulatory alignment, and scientific rigor for projects supporting U.S. rare earth supply chain resilience and domestic critical mineral independence. The REE SME also interfaces with Government stakeholders, research partners, and industry collaborators to validate technologies and de-risk emerging REE processes from TRL 2-7. This is a remote position.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Expertise & Scientific Leadership
  • Serve as the primary authority on rare earth elements, critical minerals, and associated supply chains, including extraction, processing, separation, and end-use applications.
  • Evaluate and guide advanced REE technologies across the full lifecycle:
    • Geological resource characterization
    • Mineral processing (crushing, grinding, flotation, gravity, magnetic separation)
    • Hydrometallurgical and solvent extraction systems
    • Ion exchange, membrane systems, electrowinning, precipitation
    • Purification and separation of individual REEs
    • Metallization and alloy production
    • REE recycling from e-waste, magnets, and industrial byproducts
  • Provide scientific oversight for TRL 2-6 R&D projects, ensuring clear TRL advancement pathways.
  • Develop and review technical deliverables, white papers, and DOE-required documentation.
Exploration, Resource Assessment & Geology
  • Provide expertise on REE geological formations-including carbonatites, ion-adsorption clays, monazite, bastnaesite, phosphates, and coal byproducts.
  • Support design, interpretation, and optimization of:
    • Geochemical assays
    • Geophysical surveys (EM, magnetics, radiometrics)
    • Borehole logging
    • Ore characterization and mineralogy studies
  • Translate resource data into volumetric assessments, mine planning inputs, and processing flowsheets.
Process Flowsheet Development & Optimization
  • Lead technical design and optimization of REE processing flowsheets, including material balances, mass/energy calculations, and separation efficiency modeling.
  • Evaluate equipment selection, reagent chemistry, and process control strategies.
  • Provide techno-economic analysis inputs (TEA), including CAPEX/OPEX assumptions for separation and refining steps.
Regulatory, Environmental & Sustainability Insights
  • Ensure compliance with environmental standards related to REE mining and processing, including waste management, tailings, emissions, and radiation safety.
  • Guide sustainability practices such as:
    • Reduced energy and reagent consumption
    • Waste minimization and co-product recovery
    • Water efficiency and treatment technologies
    • Environmental monitoring and permitting strategies
Technology Demonstration & Field Support
  • Support pilot- and field-scale demonstrations of REE extraction, beneficiation, and processing technologies.
  • Oversee sampling, pilot plant operations, and analytical validation activities.
  • Assist in integration of automation, robotics, and real-time sensing technologies into REE operations.
Industry, Academic & Government Engagement
  • Work with DOE, DoD, USGS, NIST, and other federal programs on critical mineral research and policy.
  • Provide strategic input to project partners, industry operators, and academic institutions.
  • Contribute to consortiums, workshops, technical forums, and stakeholder meetings.
Proposal Development & Strategic Advisory
  • Provide domain expertise in support of federal proposals, including DOE FOAs, DoD R&D solicitations, and USGS critical minerals programs.
  • Shape R&D strategies, teaming approaches, and innovation pathways for REE projects.
  • Review proposal technical volumes, management plans, schedules, and SOPO language.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Mining Engineering, Materials Science, Geochemistry, Geology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in REE or critical mineral extraction, separation, processing, or manufacturing.
  • Deep knowledge of mineralogy, processing technologies, hydrometallurgy, and REE refining flowsheets.
  • Proven experience supporting federal R&D, pilot plant demonstrations, or advanced commercialization activities.
  • Strong technical writing ability for scientific reports and federal deliverables.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with DOE, DoD, DARPA, ARPA-E, NETL, USGS, or NSF programs.
  • Experience operating or designing pilot plants, metallurgical labs, or mining testbeds.
  • Expertise in unconventional REE resources (coal ash, acid mine drainage, industrial byproducts).
  • Experience with AI/ML-enabled mineral characterization or advanced sensing systems.
  • Familiarity with U.S. critical mineral policy, supply chain risks, and international market dynamics.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Strong analytical and systems-thinking abilities.
  • Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear recommendations.
  • Effective communication with technical, non-technical, and government stakeholders.
  • Leadership in multidisciplinary environments and research consortia.
  • Commitment to safety, sustainability, and scientific integrity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Hybrid work environment with potential travel to mine sites, proving grounds, pilot facilities, academic labs, and federal meetings.
  • Ability to work around industrial equipment and in outdoor field settings as required.
  • Must comply with all applicable safety and environmental protocols.
What We Offer:
Pivot Path Solutions strives to attract, motivate, and retain the best people in the industry. Our benefits package reflects our continued commitment to our employees by prioritizing the health and well-being of each member. The Company offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes:
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous Contribution on Health, Dental and Vision Insurances
  • 100% Employer Paid Group Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) Plan
  • Health Saving Account (HSA)
  • Healthcare Flexible Saving Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
U.S. Citizenship is required, and all selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation. This includes meeting the eligibility requirements for access to classified information and the ability to obtain government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to background investigation including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

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