Associate Director, Adsorbent Chemistry

Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO. The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend.

Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and innovative

Associate Director

to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of adsorbent chemistries for advanced separation technologies. This role will focus on resin activation, surface functionalization, and immobilization processes to enable high-performance adsorbent materials for industrial applications.

The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in polymer and surface chemistry with a strong understanding of process development and technology transfer. This individual will work cross-functionally with applied biology, process engineering, analytical chemistry, and manufacturing teams to translate laboratory-scale innovations into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and optimization of adsorbent materials, including resin activation, surface modification, and functionalization chemistries.

Develop and scale covalent immobilization strategies for proteins, and other functional molecules onto solid supports.

Evaluate and optimize a range of support materials

Design and execute experiments to characterize adsorbent performance

Establish structure-property relationships to guide adsorbent design and process optimization.

Develop robust, reproducible, and scalable manufacturing processes for adsorbent production.

Partner with process engineering teams to transfer laboratory methods into demo and commercial-scale operations.

Define critical process parameters, critical quality attributes, and in-process controls for adsorbent manufacturing.

Author and review technical reports, SOPs, batch records, specifications, and technology transfer documentation.

Collaborate closely with analytical teams to develop and validate characterization methods.

Support intellectual property generation, including invention disclosures, patent applications, and scientific publications.

Mentor and develop junior scientists while contributing to technical strategy and project prioritization.

Serve as a technical leader within multidisciplinary project teams and communicate progress to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant industrial experience; or M.S. with 12+ years of experience.

Demonstrated expertise in resin activation and functionalization chemistries.

Experience developing covalent coupling chemistries, including amine-, thiol-, epoxy-, aldehyde-, carbodiimide-, click chemistry-, or maleimide-based systems.

Strong knowledge of surface characterization and analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, and materials characterization methods.

Experience leading cross-functional technical programs and mentoring scientists.

Proven track record of advancing technologies from research through process development.

Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience scaling adsorbent manufacturing processes from laboratory to pilot or commercial production.

Knowledge of heterogeneous reaction engineering and solid-liquid processing operations.

Experience with immobilized proteins, enzymes, peptides, antibodies, or biomolecular ligands.

Familiarity with technology transfer, process validation, and quality systems.

Experience supporting external manufacturing partners, contract development organizations, or toll manufacturers.

Knowledge of design of experiments (DOE), statistical process control, and process modeling tools.

Experience working in critical minerals, hydrometallurgy, bioprocessing, or advanced materials industries.

Scientific rigor and attention to detail

Strong technical leadership and influence

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

Strong collaboration and project management capabilities

Success Metrics
Within the first 12 months, this individual will be expected to:

Develop and optimize scalable adsorbent functionalization processes.

Improve adsorbent performance metrics, including capacity, selectivity, and stability.

Establish reproducible manufacturing methods and associated documentation.

Successfully transfer at least one adsorbent process from laboratory to pilot scale.

Build strong partnerships across research, engineering, analytical, and operations teams.

What We Offer

The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.

A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.

High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.

The starting annual pay range for this position is $160,000 to $185,000, commensurate with educational background and work experience.

Benefits include:

Flexible Time Off

Company Holidays

EOE

Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions.

If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

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