Who We Are Looking For: Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Mineralogist with hands on experience in rare earth element-bearing minerals and their associated gangue. You'll play a pivotal role in helping us unlock and optimize REE extraction pathways from unconventional sources like industrial waste and tailings. Your mineralogical insights will directly shape our clean, scalable recovery technologies and accelerate the availability of REEs vital to electrification, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities:- Characterize REE-bearing minerals (e.g., monazite, bastnäsite, xenotime) and associated phases using tools such as XRD, SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, and QEMSCAN
- Identify, quantify, and track rare earth mineral phases across feedstocks, intermediates, and residues to inform extraction pathways
- Develop mineralogical workflows that improve rare earth recovery, separation efficiency, and overall process economics
- Design and conduct hands-on mineral separation experiments and sample prep for downstream processing
- Interpret complex mineral assemblages to assist in designing metallurgical flowsheets for REE extraction
- Provide technical recommendations to R&D and chemical engineering teams based on real-time mineralogical data
- Maintain and operate mineral characterization tools in a lab-scale environment with a high degree of autonomy
- Translate complex mineralogical insights into actionable technical guidance"
Qualifications:- PhD or Master's in Mineralogy, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field, with a focus on rare earth or critical metal systems
- 2+ years of experience (academic or industry) with mineralogical analysis of REE-bearing materials
- Proficiency in analytical tools for rare earth mineral identification and quantification: XRD, SEM-EDS, QEMSCAN, and optical microscopy
- Strong understanding of REE mineral chemistry and associations with host rock or tailings matrices
- Hands-on experience with mineral processing or separation techniques relevant to REEs
- Ability to translate mineralogical data into process insights and actionable recommendations
- Familiarity with sustainable or unconventional feedstocks (e.g., tailings, industrial waste) is a plus
- Strong communication skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment Translate complex mineralogical insights into actionable technical guidance"
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $90,000- $130,000 total cash compensation plus equity
- Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee.
- Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
- Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
