Process Chemist | Engineer

We are seeking a motivated, curious, and detail-oriented Process Chemist (or Engineer) to join our R&D team at Novex. This role focuses on laboratory studies and the development of processes to extract, separate, and purify elements from a variety of liquid and solid materials. You will plan and conduct experiments, evaluate how operating conditions affect process performance and product quality, analyze results, and recommend next steps. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, hydrometallurgy, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, as well as other laboratory or manufacturing fields. Recent graduates and candidates interested in applying their experience to a new field are encouraged to apply. We value curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to tackle challenging and exciting experiments, learn new techniques, and explore unfamiliar problems. This position is based at our R&D facility in Bellingham, WA, and offers substantial opportunities to learn, grow professionally, and take on increasing responsibility while contributing to innovative research and process development projects. Why join us?

• Work on meaningful scientific challenges. Contribute to cutting-edge projects focused on critical materials recovery, separation, and purification.
• Put advanced equipment to work. Gain hands-on access to a unique suite of analytical and materials characterization instruments, alongside laboratory automation and robotic platforms from Hamilton, Chemspeed, Sirius Automation, ABB, and FESTO. Connect detailed material analysis with automated experimentation to investigate complex problems and develop better processes.
• Keep learning and growing. Expand your expertise across chemistry, engineering, materials science, and automation through challenging experiments and collaborative research. Take on increasing responsibility and help shape new research directions as your skills develop.
• Enjoy flexibility and professional development. Benefit from flexible work arrangements that accommodate laboratory and project needs, along with opportunities to develop your technical skills and advance your career.
• Make an impact in a growing team. Bring your ideas, contribute to technical decisions, and see your work help move promising concepts from laboratory studies toward practical applications.
• Live and work between the mountains and the sea. Bellingham, Washington, offers access to skiing at Mount Baker, sailing in the San Juan Islands, and hiking through Pacific Northwest forests. Enjoy a vibrant local community, cultural attractions, and the character of a smaller city, with Seattle and Vancouver, BC, within reach.

Requirements

Required qualifications and skills

• A bachelor’s or an advanced (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, metallurgy, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific or engineering field.
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience with strong understanding of relevant chemical principles and proficiency in laboratory calculations, including solution preparation, concentrations, dilutions, stoichiometry, and material balances.
• Ability to plan, execute, and troubleshoot controlled experiments; identify relevant variables; and maintain consistent, reproducible test conditions.
• Proficiency with quantitative data analysis, including evaluating variability, identifying trends and inconsistencies, and drawing conclusions supported by experimental evidence.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, follow and critically evaluate experimental procedures, and maintain accurate, traceable records of samples, methods, conditions, and results.
• Strong technical communication skills, including preparing clear experimental summaries, test reports, and recommendations for subsequent work.
• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, including chemical handling, hazard assessment, and proper waste management.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage assigned work independently while collaborating effectively with the team.

Good to have:

• Experience with analytical instrumentation, experimental design, process development, or scale-up.
• Laboratory or process experience in chemical manufacturing, metallurgy and hydrometallurgy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or environmental testing.
• Experience with separation and purification methods, such as leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, filtration, or electrochemistry.
• Experience working with laboratory automation, including automated liquid handling, robotic platforms, instrument integration, or programming and troubleshooting automated experimental workflows.
• Experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for sample tracking, experimental documentation, data management, and workflow coordination.

Novex provides training in its specific methods, equipment, and workflows. Candidates are expected to bring a solid foundation in laboratory practice, quantitative analysis, and scientific problem-solving.

Work authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for Novex by their start date. Novex does not offer employment visa sponsorship. However, limited employer support for TN status may be considered for eligible Canadian citizens on a case-by-case basis, depending on the position’s duties, the applicant’s qualifications, and the required documentation.

Benefits

• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training support.