Chemist, Laboratory Operations & R&D
Lilac Solutions
- Oakland, California, United States
- Oakland, California, United States
About
Lilac exists to solve one problem: lithium supply. By engineering scalable lithium extraction technology, we help industries produce lithium faster, cheaper, and cleaner. Our ion exchange technology is rooted in scientific precision and commercial know-how, making lithium supply a non-issue for global electrification. Our materials, engineering, and approach uniquely position us to design and develop commercial projects across various lithium sources. We help lithium producers rapidly and responsibly scale production from brine resources with versatile, cost-effective, and dynamic technology solutions.
Lilac is supported by the largest players from the mining and processing industry, as well as significant investment funds. Lilac investors include BMW, SK, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mercuria, Lower Carbon Capital, and MIT's The Engine.
About the role
We are seeking a hands-on Chemist to support both laboratory operations and applied R&D efforts. This role blends technical chemistry work with operational ownership-ensuring our labs run efficiently, data quality meets ISO standards, and pilot facilities are successfully deployed. You will play a key role in maintaining high-quality analytical performance while supporting brine treatment research and scaling lab capabilities across multiple sites.
Why This Role Matters: This role is critical to ensuring reliable data, efficient lab operations, and successful deployment of our technology at pilot scale. You'll directly impact how quickly and effectively we can scale our processes from lab to field.
Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Quality
* Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, NMR, SEM, TGA, XRD, DLS, UV Vis, wet chemistry systems)
* Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 quality systems, including documentation and calibration
* Manage laboratory quality records, SOPs, and method documentation
* Monitor data quality and support continuous improvement of laboratory processes
Procurement & Lab Infrastructure
* Own procurement of lab consumables, chemicals, and equipment
* Manage vendor relationships and track inventory to ensure uninterrupted lab operations
* Support cost optimization and standardization across lab systems
Pilot Lab Installation & Scale-Up
* Lead installation, setup, and commissioning of laboratory spaces at pilot facilities
* Travel to pilot sites to oversee lab buildout, equipment installation, and initial operation
* Develop standardized lab setup protocols for rapid deployment
R&D & Technical Execution
* Design and execute bench-scale brine treatment experiments with guidance from the technical division
* Support method development, optimization, and validation for analytical techniques
* Analyze and interpret experimental data to inform process development
* Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers and R&D teams
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
* 2+ years of experience in an analytical or R&D laboratory
* Experience working in an ISO 17025 (or similar quality-controlled) environment
* Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation and wet chemistry techniques
* Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
* Highly proactive, with a strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset
* Comfortable balancing hands-on lab work with operational responsibilities
* Ability and willingness to travel and work at domestic and international pilot projects
* Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality data
* Demonstrated communication and teamwork abilities
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with method development and validation
* Experience with brine, water treatment, or inorganic/analytical chemistry systems
* Experience supporting pilot plants or scaling lab operations
* Familiarity with ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ion chromatography, NMR, DLS, or similar techniques
Benefits
* Base Salary $85,000 - $118,000 anually
* Stock options
* Discretionary Bonuses
* Health, dental, and vision insurance
* Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
* 401k with pre- and post-tax investing options
* Flexible spendings
Languages
- English
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