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Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company developing electro-extraction technology to help recyclers and miners capture critical minerals for lithium-ion battery manufacturing and other applications, while reducing costs and emissions. The company focuses on sustainable recovery of critical minerals already in circulation, transforming them into production-grade feedstocks for the energy transition.
You will serve as Technical Lead for R&D on rare earth elements (REE) electrolytic cells, taking primary technical ownership of cell development and electrochemical process innovation. This is a hands-on leadership role combining deep technical expertise with program coordination across multidisciplinary R&D teams.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the R&D program focused on electrolytic cell design and electrochemical process development for rare earth elements deposition, investigating and optimizing cell chemistry, electrolyte composition, additives, operating parameters, and electrochemical performance.
• Research and evaluate cell construction materials, including electrode materials, membranes, coatings, separators, and corrosion-resistant components; develop innovative approaches to improve current efficiency, deposition quality, metal recovery, selectivity, and energy consumption.
• Advance understanding of electrodeposition mechanisms, nucleation, growth behavior, and impurity impacts within electrolytic systems.
• Lead studies on anode and cathode materials, surface engineering, passivation, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle performance; evaluate and optimize electrode geometry, current distribution, electrolyte flow, and mass transfer characteristics.
• Design and oversee electrochemical testing programs including cyclic voltammetry, polarization studies, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and deposition characterization and performance analysis.
• Support development of novel materials and advanced electrolytic cell architectures for critical mineral recovery.
• Define R&D roadmaps, technical priorities, and experimental programs aligned with business strategy; prepare technical reports, presentations, patent disclosures, and technology documentation.
• Collaborate with external research institutions, suppliers, and strategic partners as applicable.
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemical Engineering, or related discipline; Master's or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in electrolytic systems, hydrometallurgy, or electrochemical process development.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrodeposition, electrowinning, electrorefining, or electrochemical materials development.
• Strong technical background in electrochemistry, electrolyte chemistry, corrosion and materials science, mass transfer and transport phenomena, and industrial electrochemical systems.
• Chlor-alkali experience required.
