NIST is seeking a Critical Minerals Recovery Specialist to serve as a project scientist responsible for leading original research to develop measurement platforms that quantify the thermodynamics and kinetics of functionalized polymeric membranes and sorbents used to recover critical minerals from acidic solutions digested from electronic waste streams.
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
The major duties of the Critical Minerals Recovery Specialist include: Working independently, exercising independent judgment to design specialized instrumentation, refine analytical methodologies, and evaluate polymer ligand-metal ion binding mechanisms in complex, highly acidic leachate solutions containing dissolved mono-, di-, and trivalent metal ions. Integrating membrane science, electrochemistry, and pyrometallurgy.
Operating with high autonomy in technical decision-making, resolving complex separation measurement challenges and ensuring data integrity. Conducting studies on model materials. Authoring peer-reviewed publications, presenting findings, and generating foundational reference data required by industry to optimize sorbents, membranes, and separation processes.
Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams across NIST's critical minerals portfolio, actively engaging with external contacts - including industry stakeholders, recyclers, and academic researchers - to align measurement platforms with national critical mineral supply chain priorities.
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S.
to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
This position is with National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.
The posted pay range is $85447 – $133142/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-09.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-03 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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