Experimental Chemist
Riven · New York, NY
Generate the experimental data that underpins Riven's modeling and autonomous lab work in critical minerals processing. Own the analytical chain from experiment design to data interpretation, and work closely with experts in thermodynamics, hydrometallurgy, process modeling and autonomous experimentation.
What you'll do
- Own the analytical chain: design experiments, run and troubleshoot analytical tools, interpret data
- Run, optimize, and expand hardware capabilities of the autonomous lab
- Build an interface between experimental and computational modeling capabilities
Requirements
- Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgy, or related field, or M.S. with substantial industrial experience in hydrometallurgy or separations
- Hands-on bench-scale hydrometallurgical experience
- Practical trace-metal analytical competence, ideally ICP-OES, including calibration design and method troubleshooting
- Careful, documented experimental practice
- Clear interdisciplinary communication and ability to learn quickly
- Comfort working in a scrappy early-stage environment with high agency
Nice to have
- A desire to build the future of laboratory science
Skills
Outlined skills are listed as required.
Full original description
About Riven
Our mission is to leverage fundamental science and the exponential growth of computational power to revolutionize industrial chemistry. We are integrating autonomous laboratories, computational modeling, and AI to systematize the design, de-risking, and deployment of new chemical capabilities. Our work is deeply interdisciplinary and closes the loop between fundamental physics and industrial deployment.
We are starting with critical minerals because they underpin virtually every facet of modern life—including energy infrastructure, compute architecture, and defense systems—and are at the heart of a generational effort to reindustrialize the west. We intend to dramatically reduce the time and cost required to scale new mineral processing capacity.
About the role
As an Experimental Chemist you will generate the data that everything else at Riven is built on. You will work closely with experts in thermodynamics, hydrometallurgy, process modeling, and autonomous experimentation to run a laboratory with unparalleled rigor, speed, and scale.
Riven is hiring a lean, interdisciplinary team and experience spanning multiple roles is welcome. Apply to whichever role is closest to your skillset.
Initial Responsibilities
Own the analytical chain: designing experiments, running and troubleshooting the analytical tools, and generating and interpreting the data.
Run, optimize, and expand the hardware capabilities of Riven's autonomous lab.
Help establish a deep interface between experimental and computational capabilities, ensuring the constraints and richness of experimental reality are reflected by modeling.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgy, or a related field, or an M.S. with substantial industrial experience in hydrometallurgy or separations.
Hands-on hydrometallurgical experience at the bench-scale.
Practical trace-metal analytical competence, ideally ICP-OES, including calibration design and method troubleshooting.
Careful, documented experimental practice and a desire to uphold rigorous technical standards.
Excitement to work in a scrappy, interdisciplinary early-stage environment.
Clear interdisciplinary communication and the curiosity to quickly learn and execute in new domains.
Ability to prioritize, execute, and collaborate with a high degree of agency, a willingness to be wrong, and the ambition to build something that has never existed before.
Trust, humor, rigor, and an excitement to work in a scrappy, interdisciplinary early-stage environment.
Bonus Points
Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgy, or a related field, or an M.S. with substantial industrial experience in hydrometallurgy or separations.
Hands-on hydrometallurgical experience at the bench-scale.
Practical trace-metal analytical competence, ideally ICP-OES, including calibration design and method troubleshooting.
Careful, documented experimental practice and a desire to uphold rigorous technical standards.
A desire to build the future of laboratory science.
Excitement to work in a scrappy, interdisciplinary early-stage environment.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, medical condition or disability.
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $140,000 – $170,000 per year.
Compensation decisions are made based on track-record, seniority, and skill set. Additional consideration can be given to candidates with exceptional experience.