Analytical Chemist III - Protein
- Market p25–p75
- $136k–$176k
- Opened · 30d
- +1
- Closed · 30d
- −0
- Opened · 7d
- +9385% of open
- All software engineering
- 75,185open
About Us
Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.
How we work
Speed is part of our DNA. We’re building first-of-a-kind technology and facilities, which means the path isn’t always mapped. We’re comfortable with ambiguity: making sound, timely decisions guided by clear priorities, adapting quickly as we learn, and keeping a relentless focus on moving our business forward. We commit to fixed milestones on compressed timelines and hold ourselves accountable without compromising on safety or rigor.
Analytical Chemist III - Protein
Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: Associate Director of Analytical Chemistry
About Us
Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.
Role Summary
Alta is seeking an Analytical Chemist III – Protein to join our growing Analytical Chemistry group. This role will develop, qualify, and execute analytical methods for protein and biomolecule characterization in support of Alta’s separation processes and innovation pipeline.
The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on experience with protein analytics, with particular emphasis on HPLC method development. Additional responsibilities will include developing high-throughput and complementary methods using techniques such as UV-Vis, plate-based assays, and SDS-PAGE, as well as interpreting protein characterization data.
This position will serve as the technical lead for protein analytics within the Analytical Chemistry group and will partner closely with Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering teams to establish robust, scalable analytical workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Analytical Method Development and Execution
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and execute analytical methods for protein and biomolecule characterization, with HPLC as a primary area of ownership.
- Establish robust, reproducible workflows using techniques such as HPLC-DAD, UV-Vis, plate-based assays, SDS-PAGE, and other applicable protein analytical methods.
- Develop scalable and high-throughput analytical approaches to support increasing sample volume and rapid experimental iteration.
- Troubleshoot method performance, resolve analytical challenges, and improve assay reliability, throughput, and data quality.
- Support interpretation and integration of data generated by third-party laboratories, including LC-MS and other specialized protein characterization techniques.
High-Throughput Workflow Development
- Develop and implement high-throughput protein analytical workflows to support increased sample volume and rapid experimental iteration.
- Optimize sample preparation, assay design, and analytical workflows to reduce manual handling and improve operational efficiency.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify bottlenecks and build scalable analytical solutions that support evolving R&D needs.