Coin Cell & Laboratory Chemist

Coin Cell & Laboratory Chemist

About Syrah

Syrah Resources Limited is an Australian Securities Exchange listed (ASX: SYR) industrial minerals and technology company with its flagship Balama Graphite Operation in Mozambique ("Balama") and a downstream Active Anode Material Project in Vidalia, Louisiana USA ("Vidalia"). Syrah's Vision is to be the world's leading supplier of superior quality graphite and anode material products, working closely with customers and the supply chain to add value in battery and industrial markets.

At Syrah, our people are our point of difference. In pursuit of our Vision, we have established and continue to drive a high performance culture founded on our Company Values where employees, contract partners and value chain participants are treated with fairness and respect, and where ethical and sustainable business practices are upheld.

We are proud of our workforce diversity and remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all of our employees. Accordingly, Syrah keeps an open mind to its recruitment and selection processes and strongly encourages people from all different backgrounds to apply for a role with the Company. Flexible working options are available to ensure we reach the widest pool of talent possible.

About the role

Reporting to the Company's Process & Technology Manager, an exciting opportunity exists for a Coin Cell & Laboratory Chemist to join the Syrah team based in Vidalia, Louisiana. This role is responsible for overseeing Syrah's coin cell laboratory, supporting research, testing, and development of battery materials and performance. This role will lead laboratory operations, design and execute experiments, and ensure quality and safety standards are met. The Coin Cell & Laboratory Chemist will provide technical expertise in electrochemistry and materials science while mentoring and managing a Laboratory Technician.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure safe work practices are always followed and drive a safety awareness culture as a top priority.
• Work collaboratively with the BAM team and provide technical input into the design, construction and commissioning of the laboratory (lab), including procurement of apparatus.
• Once the lab is established, supervise day-to-day lab operations and ensure on-time execution of tasks/projects.
• Act as liaison between the lab and other departments and serve as a technical resource for operational issues including problem solving, engineering studies and unit surveys.
• Ensure lab operations adhere to the elements of best practice, such as written, documented methods of analysis (SOP's), verifiable training of analysts and applicable standards of quality control and quality assurance.
• Develop new SOP's, review and enforce current SOP compliance
• Review and supervise Lab Safety aspects and Lab Basic Training for new employees
• Lead the Technicians in troubleshooting lab issues and train them to address/resolve non-compliances.
• Perform testing in accordance with specified methods and document activities in line with ISO standards.
• Order and maintain inventory of laboratory chemicals, consumables and equipment necessary for the day to day functioning of the laboratory in a cost-effective manner.
• Perform various Quality Control (QC) activities as required to maintain the laboratory in accordance with ISO requirements as well as internal Quality standards.
• Adherence to Company policies & procedures, including compliance with documentation requirements/standards.
• Demonstrate effective communication, planning and organization skills in managing others as well as influencing and building relationships.
• Ensure own behavior is always aligned with the Company Values and encourage others to do the same.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the coin cell laboratory, ensuring accurate and efficient testing.
• Design, assemble, and test coin cells to evaluate battery material performance.
• Develop and optimize experimental procedures for electrochemical testing.
• Analyze and interpret test data, preparing reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Technology, Quality, and Operations teams to support product development and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Train, mentor, and supervise the Laboratory Technician.
• Stay current with industry developments in battery technology, electrochemistry, and materials science.
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by the Laboratory Superintendent.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• PhD preferred in R&D-focused labs with coin cell assembly experience.
• Expertise in coin cell assembly in Ar-filled glovebox.
• Familiarity with electrochemical testing:
  1. Galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling
  2. Cyclic voltammetry (CV)
  3. [Optional] Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
• Knowledge of battery materials characterization (SEM, XRD, XPS, ICP, etc. is a plus).
• Understanding of battery safety protocols and lab standards (handling Li metal, electrolytes, solvents).
• Data analysis proficiency (Origi, Excel, JMP, or similar).
• Strong ability to communicate with clients regarding technical questions relating to samples for testing, results reported, or problems encountered.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment without any delay to customers.
• Have strong attention to detail and understanding of operational efficiency.
• Must be able to meet all deliverables and organize team members to achieve this in a safe and efficient manner.
• Sound conceptual thinking, data analysis and problem-solving skills is essential.
• Experience working with OSHA Regulations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both equipment and experimental challenges
• Knowledge of cell performance metrics (capacity retention, coulombic efficiency, cycle life, rate performance).