Company Overview

Our client is a dynamic green technology pioneer in cost effective and efficient cleantech extraction processes. Very well funded, the company is developing battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for automotive applications from zero carbon processes. Growth potential is on-trend and explosive and the business has multiple high-profile backers.

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Director, Research, Development and Engineering will lead the research function within the company, direct a team of scientists and technicians, and oversee the day to day operation of research and analytical labs.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the process development function within the company, and provide input to the CTO regarding the company’s technical vision and strategy

• Establish appropriate technical standards and ensure adherence by all R&D and engineering staff

• Review and analyze findings and make recommendations regarding the efficacy or practicality of commercial scale applications

• Successfully determine technology paths in the laboratory that will be used as the basis for modelling pilot studies and eventually commercial facilities

• Develop and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, assuring the highest quality research and reporting of data

• Working primarily with the Lab and Pilot Managers, oversee the day to day operation of research and analytical labs to ensure accurate and timely results and efficient operations

• Manage all R&D projects to ensure exceptional attention to detail, the highest quality results, and completion within project timelines

• Ensure that all team members focus relentlessly on safety in all aspects of the company’s business

• Provide visible leadership for the company within the technology community

• Anticipate and react to major technology changes to help ensure the maintenance of company leadership in the competitive landscape

• Prepare detailed documentation that assures efficient technology transfer to engineering and operations and/or external partners.

• Support the CTO in development of new intellectual property

• Assist the CTO in the management of process implementation in the commercial plant design

Job Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum of 10 – 15 years R&D experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role; experience with a major chemical company preferred
• A proven track record of successful process innovation and invention
• Proactive and engaging leader with demonstrated ability to direct and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, and energize, motivate, and develop a world class organization
• Demonstrated experience in driving exceptional safety, with good knowledge of safety systems and processes
• Critical thinking skills that contribute to superior analysis of complex situations
• Clear understanding of the path to commercialization from lab to full scale facility
• Experience in hydrometallurgy, extraction of metals from fluids, or water industry technologies preferred
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal, and cross cultural), with the ability to appropriately tailor communication to his/her audience
• Ability to collaborate across functional and organizational lines, and capable of working with all levels of individuals and cultures
• Exhibits the highest ethical standards
• Ability to travel as necessary to plant sites or other locations to further the company’s business
• Knowledge of geothermal brines advantageous
• Experience of intellectual property development and management
• Fluency in German / English is preferred