6.3. Senior Separation Scientist

As a Senior Separation Scientist at Phoenix Tailings, your primary responsibilities will revolve around designing, developing, and optimizing advanced solvent extraction processes for the selective recovery of rare earth elements. You'll lead research programs, analyze complex data, and ensure the efficient integration of separation processes within the company's operations. The role also requires collaboration across various teams to achieve breakthrough advancements and maintain alignment with organizational objectives.

To qualify for the Senior Separation Scientist position at Phoenix Tailings, candidates should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, alongside a strong emphasis on separation science or solvent extraction. Additionally, a minimum of five years of postdoctoral or industrial experience and extensive knowledge in solvent extraction and related technologies are essential for this role.

Candidates applying for the Senior Separation Scientist role at Phoenix Tailings should ideally possess experience in the design and development of separation processes for metals or rare earth elements, along with a thorough understanding of chemical equilibrium, mass transfer, and thermodynamics. Familiarity with scaling processes from laboratory to industry and the nuances of regulatory considerations is also advantageous.

At Phoenix Tailings, a Senior Separation Scientist will find extensive career growth opportunities, especially as the company is committed to innovation and sustainable practices within the mining industry. With ongoing learning and development opportunities, employees are supported in expanding their skills, taking on new challenges, and advancing in their careers within a company that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration.

Phoenix Tailings promotes a flexible work culture that emphasizes work-life balance for Senior Separation Scientists and all employees. With options like a flexible vacation policy, parental leave, and the ability to work remotely, the company nurtures an environment where team members can thrive both professionally and personally.

Absolutely! When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've successfully developed solvent extraction processes, focusing on the challenges faced, solutions you implemented, and any noteworthy results achieved. Make sure to detail your role in the process and the knowledge gained through those experiences.

Discuss your approach to analyzing performance data, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing process improvements. Sharing examples of successful optimizations you've made in previous roles can provide concrete evidence of your capabilities in ensuring process efficiency.

When asked about data analysis techniques, it's helpful to mention specific tools and methodologies you've used, such as statistical analysis software or modeling techniques. Explain how you've applied these to confirm hypotheses or optimize processes and enhance separation outcomes.

In your answer, narrate a project from start to finish, including your leadership role, the objectives, methodologies used, and the project's impact. Be sure to emphasize your contributions and any innovations developed during the project.

Demonstrate your commitment to the field by discussing professional organizations, conferences, journals, or networking groups you engage with to keep informed about the latest in separation technologies and trends in the industry.

Explain any relevant experience you have with high-temperature separation processes, discussing the methods used, challenges encountered, and how you overcame those challenges. Consider sharing outcomes of your work in high-temperature scenarios as well.

This is a chance to demonstrate your understanding of compliance in the engineering field. Discuss your awareness of regulatory frameworks and how you've integrated compliance measures into your process designs to ensure safety, environmental protection, and operational legality.

Mention any specific software or tools you're proficient with in modeling separation processes, explaining how they have aided you in previous projects. Examples include software for computational fluid dynamics, process simulation, or statistical analysis tools.

Illustrate your project management skills by discussing your methods for prioritizing tasks, whether through agile methodologies, project management software, or time-blocking strategies. Sharing examples of successful project management experiences can also bolster your response.

When answering this question, reinforce your alignment with Phoenix Tailings' mission of sustainable mining and innovation in critical metals production. Discuss what excites you about the company's direction and how your values align with their approach to clean energy and sustainability.