Analytical Chemist - Ascend Elements

Ascend Elements is a fast-growing organization that is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials for electric vehicles. Recognized as a climate technology leader, the company elevates the value of recycled elements and engineers’ sustainable battery materials to support the global clean-energy transition. The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ direct precursor synthesis technology produces new, sustainable cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in improved performance and lower carbon emissions. Ascend Elements is taking sustainability in the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

The Analytical Chemist of the Covington Plant reports to the Quality Manager. In this position, the Employee shall be responsible for both the final quality checks of finished goods and for promoting continuous improvement of the plant’s production processes.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Evaluating new instrumentation and technology.
• Developing new methods/procedures and implementing new instrumentation.
• Training and improving existing instruments and methods.
• Calibration of instrumentation.
• Maintaining instrumentation and equipment.
• Reviewing and maintaining quality assurance programs.
• Providing technical expertise both in the lab and for on-stream analyses.
• Maintaining, reviewing, and revising procedures to assure that proper techniques are being followed and technicians are trained as necessary.
• Troubleshooting methods in routine use.
• Communicate promptly with Operation and Supervisor regarding off spec results.
• Coordination of laboratory sample schedules and performance tests with operations.
• Ensuring the laboratory is aligned with ISO 90001 and cGMP.
• Maintaining Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Product Certification

• Documenting and maintaining procedures for LIMS concerning details such as sample/data identification and traceability as well as details on status of test results for samples tested.
• Communicating/Training of personnel in any LIMS related issues such as any changes or upgrades to the LIMS.
• Maintaining the LIMS database for customer masters, specifications, ranges, and sample schedules.
• Maintaining controlled documents, legal files, raw instrument data and information.
• Providing guidance for customer inquiries about laboratory services.
• Procurement of materials for instrument maintenance and instrument consumables.
• Maintaining batch and shipment records for all products.
• Reviewing the final product COAs for correctness.
• Reporting any incorrect information to the laboratory department.
• Reviewing the chemical inventory for the laboratory.
• Facilitating sharing of best practices throughout laboratories to drive continuous improvement.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Be committed to and support the EHS management process to obtain the ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification as well as participate in system standards and practices in its compliance and commitment to policies, objectives, operational controls, documentation, system guidelines, and others that the organization subscribes to as mandatory.
• Will participate in all EHS aspects, including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal.
• Attend an Environment, Health, and Safety Orientation program appropriate to their work environment.
• Follow 6S step-by-step methodology to maintain orderly workspaces and resources thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

Required Skills / Abilities:

Education:

• Associate Degree in Chemistry, Environmental, or Engineering with one or more years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment
• Technical training and experience with analytical equipment and chemistry principles

Experience:

• 1 or more years of previous laboratory experience, experience with battery materials a plus

• Understanding of chemical processes (i.e., acid/base reactions, chemical identification)
• Prior experience with analytical equipment to perform ICP-OES, SEM, X-Ray Karl Fischer Titration, Tapped Density, Particle Size Analysis a strong plus.
• Attention to detail.
• Desire to be a strong team member.

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of wearing task specific personal protective equipment which may include dust mask, air purifying respirator (i.e., half and/or full faced), safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
• Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
• While performing the duties of this job it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

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Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.