Analytical Lab Chemist
Mariana Minerals · San Francisco
About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Position Summary
Join our analytical lab in San Francisco as an Analytical Lab Chemist. You’ll run sample prep and analytical testing on state-of-the-art equipment in a newly renovated lab, keep data accurate and instruments performing at their best, and dig into problems that don’t come with a textbook answer, like an unknown sample straight from the plant. You’ll work closely with our lab technicians and learn alongside an analytical team that supports labs across multiple sites, with room to grow into owning the lab or a regional or global role as we expand.
Responsibilities
Perform precise sample preparation across various matrices, including weighing, digestion, dilution, and filtration
Prepare standards and calibration solutions
Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical equipment, particularly ion chromatography (IC), ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and XRF
Record data accurately in LIMS or lab notebooks and review results for integrity
Help diagnose analytical problems, including unknown samples from the plant, and work with operations on next steps
Write and improve SOPs and lab workflows
Support lab technicians and share knowledge across the team
Follow all SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and PPE requirements; manage chemical inventory and waste to regulatory standards
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
Lab experience through undergraduate research, internships, co-ops, or work
Hands-on ion chromatography (IC) experience strongly preferred
Solid wet chemistry skills, including acid digestion and preparing standards
Experience with ICP-OES/MS, XRF, AA, GC, HPLC, or UV-Vis, whether in research or coursework
A troubleshooter who likes figuring out why an instrument or result isn’t right
Familiarity with EPA, ISO, or GLP/GMP standards a plus
Mining, metals, or hydrometallurgy exposure a plus
Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
Schedule
Full-time, salaried
25–35% travel (about one week a month) to our other lab sites, including occasional weekend travel
Working Environment & Physical Requirements
Regular work with chemicals, acids, and acid digestions; standard lab PPE required (safety glasses, lab coat, gloves)
Able to stand and work at a lab bench for extended periods and lift samples and supplies up to 25 lbs
Our culture is built on four principles:
Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.
Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!
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