Research Scientist

Position Overview:
The company is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our team, focusing on time series analysis and evaporation modeling for solar evaporation brine ponds. This role is critical in enhancing the solar evaporation pond models by integrating real-time sensor data, improving evaporation predictions, and supporting the goal of maximizing mineral recovery while maintaining product purity.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in atmospheric science, brine water chemistry, climate science, hydrology, or a related field, with hands-on experience in solar evaporation modeling and advanced cross-scaling techniques. This role will directly contribute to the development and refinement of evaporation models and impurity salt behavior prediction, which are essential in optimizing mineral extraction processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement solutions for processing large volumes of real-time data from brine sensors and climate stations.
• Integrate multi-source sensor data into the evaporation model to improve predictive

accuracy.

• Interpret complex data and generate actionable insights to support operational decisions.
• Develop, refine, and validate solar evaporation models to enhance brine concentration efficiency.
• Understand and apply concepts of reactors in series for modeling brine behavior.
• Identify relevant patterns and trends using statistical and machine learning models.
• Apply machine learning for data prediction, optimizing process control strategies.
• Develop models and integrate them into interactive dashboards/UI for real-time

monitoring.

• Implement predictive modeling techniques to optimize solution advancement or retention and reduce uncertainty.
• Utilize thermodynamic modeling to predict impurity (Na, K, Ca, Fe, B) behavior during solar evaporation.
• Support process design to minimize impurity contamination and improve extraction

efficiency.

• Implement bias correction techniques (e.g., quantile mapping) to improve model

accuracy.

• Develop and maintain high-performance data pipelines for real-time processing.
• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for model development, data analysis, and

visualization.

• Understanding of the hardware/software interface for sensor integration is a plus.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting methodologies, findings, and

recommendations.

• Present project deliverables, progress updates, and insights to diverse stakeholders.

Major Outputs:
You will be developing these three things:
1. Online Data Capture Dashboard:

• Develop an interactive dashboard for real-time data capture, allowing for online monitoring of sensor data and trend analysis.
• Enable faster, data-driven decisions to improve pond operations.

2. Predictive Modeling:

• Develop predictive models to optimize solution advancement or retention, reducing process uncertainty.
• Enhance operational efficiency by forecasting potential risks and process deviations.

3. Operational Simulator:

• Design a preventive simulation system to model various scenarios, evaluating impacts of dilution and unwanted crystallization.
• Assist operations in making informed decisions by predicting outcomes under different control strategies.

Qualifications:
Education:

• Preferred PhD in Atmospheric Science, Brine Chemistry, Climate Science, Hydrology, or a related field.

Technical Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience with solar evaporation models and downscaling techniques.
• Expertise in hydrological modeling, particularly in streamflow and reservoir evaporation.
• Proficiency in analyzing climate and hydrological data from weather stations or sensor networks and brine chemistry from Lab data.
• Strong skills in managing large datasets, including climate projections and hydrological data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as NCAR Command Language (NCL), Python, R, or MATLAB for data processing and analysis.
• Experience in performing sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic models for impurity behavior in brine systems.
• Experience with time series data analysis from environmental or industrial sensors is a plus.
• Experience developing dashboards and visual tools for data analysis is a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Why Join the company?

The company is redefining lithium extraction with cutting-edge solutions focused on
sustainability and efficiency. The team is passionate about innovating clean technologies that enhance lithium production while protecting natural resources. By joining the team, you’ll play a key role in advancing the future of energy storage and sustainable mining.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• What is your US Work eligibility (i.e. US Citizen, Green Card, Visa, etc.)?
• What is your target salary for this role?

Experience:

• Date Science: 1 year (Preferred)
• Climate Data: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000