About the Role
We are building next-generation critical mineral recovery infrastructure to power the global clean energy transition. We are seeking an innovative, hands-on Chemical Engineer, Hydrometallurgist, or Research Chemist to join our R&D facility in Kolkata, West Bengal.
In this role, you will spearhead the development and scale-up of \ novel processing technology for extracting high-purity critical metals (Li, Ni, Co, Mn) from lithium-ion battery black mass. Working with this proprietary method, you will optimize reaction kinetics, maximize recovery yields, and validate sustainable chemical pathways that significantly outperform conventional pyrometallurgical and traditional leaching operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Novel Reactor & Process Development: Design, optimize, and operate laboratory- and pilot-scale reactors utilizing proprietary, non-conventional extraction and thermal/electrochemical methods.
- Extraction & Purification: Develop and refine leaching, precipitation, impurity removal, and solvent extraction (SX) pathways to produce battery-grade precursors.
- Kinetic & Thermodynamic Modeling: Perform comprehensive mass, thermodynamic, and energy balances to validate operational efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
- Analytical Characterization: Direct sample preparation and interpret analytical results using ICP-OES/MS, XRD, SEM, and titration methods to monitor leaching efficiencies and metal purity.
- Pilot Scale-Up: Collaborate with the process engineering team to translate benchtop findings into continuous-flow pilot configurations.
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensure stringent hazardous chemical handling protocols, and adhere to local environmental norms (WBPCB guidelines).
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: B.Tech / B.E., M.Tech / M.E., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Hydrometallurgy, Materials Science, Applied Chemistry, or related fields.
- Experience: 2+ years of hands-on R&D or pilot plant experience in hydrometallurgy, minerals processing, or battery metal recovery.
- Core Skills: Strong fundamental knowledge of solid-liquid leaching, phase equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and advanced reactor systems.
- Familiarity with wet-chemical analysis, analytical characterization (ICP-OES, titration), and yield calculations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience handling lithium-ion battery black mass across diverse chemistries (NMC, LCO, LFP).
- Experience with process intensification, non-conventional heating or activation technologies, or alternative leaching reagents (organic/deep eutectic solvents).
- Experience scaling chemical batch operations to continuous-flow pilot operations.
- Proficiency in process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, HSC Chemistry).
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive compensation package with annual performance incentives
- Provident Fund (PF) and statutory benefits
- Generous paid leave, casual leave, and regional public holidays
- Ongoing professional development, conference sponsorships, and intellectual property incentives
Pay: ₹150,000.00 - ₹650,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kolkata, West Bengal: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- Which analytical characterization tools do you have direct experience with?
Education:
Experience:
- hydrometallurgical processing: 2 years (Required)
Language:
Location:
- Kolkata, West Bengal (Required)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
