Research Associate II, Process Operations

Transition Metal Solutions uses wild microbial communities to increase metal recovery from low-grade ores and waste stockpiles — reducing the water, energy, and ecological costs of mining while meeting the critical mineral demand of the energy transition. Our platform combines empirical testing, advanced DNA sequencing, and computational methods to develop tailored solutions that harness these indigenous microbial ecosystems to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact at scale.

We're a Seed-stage company backed by leading climate, deep tech, and energy investors across the US, Europe, and Australia. With the first iteration of our platform complete, we are now focused on scaling to industrial pilots over the next year.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced process technologist, leach column operator, or research associate familiar with process operations to operate and maintain lab-scale leach columns and support the scale-up of our platform.

This is an onsite, full-time position at Bakar Labs (next to the UC Berkeley campus). You will report directly to the Head of R&D and collaborate closely with our molecular biologists, analytical chemists, and computational scientists and geochemists. This is not an entry-level position and we are not able to consider recent or upcoming graduates. We are looking for a research associate with demonstrated experience in applied or industrial settings who can work independently from day one with minimal hands-on training.

What You'll Do

Typical responsibilities will include:

• Setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining lab-scale leach columns to accurately simulate bioleaching heaps
• Developing and executing scale-up and scale-down protocols to maintain operational fidelity between benchtop and pilot scale bioleaching
• Investigating leach kinetics, flow patterns, and mineral recovery yields
• Automating process control
• Communicating experimental results to the project team

Your Experience

We favor candidates with formal training in chemical, hydrometallurgical, or process engineering, or a related field. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated excellence in applied technical work, can own problems independently, and are comfortable setting their own priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience profiles:

• B.S. in chemical engineering, hydrometallurgical engineering, process engineering, or a related field, plus a minimum of 4–6 years of relevant experience in an applied or industrial contextOR
• M.S. in chemical engineering, hydrometallurgical engineering, process engineering, or a related field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in an applied or industrial context

In addition, candidates must have:

• Practical experience setting up, operating, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting lab-scale leach columns
• Experience with trickle bed / packed bed reactor operation
• Experience with process control and monitoring
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with creativity and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to start by Summer 2026.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with modern SCADA systems, automated flow meters, and online monitoring tools
• Experience in developing scalable workflows and improving workflows/gaining efficiency
• Experience with statistical analysis and DOE in JMP, R, or other statistical analysis software
• Familiarity with hydrometallurgical mineral processing and metal extraction
• Familiarity with techno-economic analysis (TEA)

Other Attributes

• Rigorous attention to detail and good documentation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with others across departments and disciplines
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment

Working at Transition

We're a small, interdisciplinary team of 7 and bringing different perspectives to hard problems is core to how we work. We need someone who thrives in early-stage ambiguity where priorities shift, you help shape direction, and there's a clear strategy but no firm playbook. This role requires hitting the ground running. We don't have the bandwidth for extended hands-on training and we're looking for someone who's energized about owning a function rather than daunted by that. You should be able to work effectively with colleagues across different backgrounds, training, communication styles, and identities. While the nature of our work and stage requires us to move fast, we are thoughtful rather than reckless and value people who approach difficulties with grace and directness.

What We Offer

• Salary range: $80K-$95K annually
• Employee stock option plan
• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Access to 401K and FSA commuter benefits
• Flexible PTO policy in addition to paid leave for all 11 federal holidays and a 2-week winter office closure
• Annual $500 lifestyle benefit

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US. We are unable to sponsor visas for this position.

Transition Metal Solutions is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

How to Apply: Please email your resume to jobs@transition.bio. We do not require a cover letter for this position.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person