Chief Chemist

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!

Where You Will Work

Our Technology Center is home to a team of globally recognized engineers and scientists who provide innovative mining, processing and environmental solutions to our operations throughout the world. Our employees make use of state-of-the-art laboratories and test facilities, including a fully automated analytical lab – the first of its kind in the Americas. Employees provide direct support in a variety of areas: mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, analytical chemistry, mineralogy, process economics, mining and geology.

Whether you choose to live in Green Valley, Sahuarita or Tucson, you will enjoy spectacular sunsets and mild winters, as well as numerous local attractions. Tucson is home to the Pima Air and Space Museum, University of Arizona and Sonora Desert Museum. Other notable community staples are several schools, hospitals, restaurants, parks, shopping centers and more. Visit sahuaritaaz.gov and tucsonaz.gov to learn more.

Description

Provide oversight and direction for lab research, analysis and experimentation on substances and samples in support of mining operations and new technologies. Research and evaluate proper product and process development and application, and ensure optimization and improvement of analytical methodologies to develop processes and testing methodologies as needed for the organization.

- Coordinate and oversee multiple functions and contribute to analytical laboratory, including staffing, budgeting, purchasing, and customer support functions

- Provide site leadership, including oversight for/management of Chemists and Senior Chemists, including equipment, processes, contract management, approving SOP's and safety training

- Establish, organize and participate in training for uniformity of worldwide operations

- Participate in Company sponsored steering teams such as Freeport-McMoRan Analytical Services Steering Team

- Apply learning and experience worldwide, as needed

- Supervise, or may serve as technical expert on, the most complex laboratory analyses to provide optimum analytical support of mining operations and technical advancements

- Provide oversight for new analytical method development

- Assess customer needs and provide guidance and direction for new developments and resources needed to achieve the desired goals

- Provide advice and troubleshooting to mine sites as requested

- Participate on problem solving teams with site Engineers and Metallurgists

- Supervise, enhance, correct and monitor quality control, laboratory and analysis practices for the site

- Report quality control/quality analysis issues to appropriate site management, making recommendations and providing guidance to site management for correction

- Ensure QC/QA through oversight of regular review and make appropriate corrections or recommendations to assure quality data response to business units

- Provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable programs, practices and existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations

- Maintain current working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local regulations

- Actively participate in the selection, interview and hire of new employees in addition to mentoring and evaluating current employees

- Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field with a strong emphasis in Chemistry (such as Chemical Engineer or Biology) and seven (7) years of Chemistry or Chemical Laboratory experience in an area or areas relevant to the assignment, including lead or supervisory experience, OR

- Master's degree in Chemistry or closely related field with a strong emphasis in Chemistry (such as Chemical Engineer or Biology) and five (5) years of Chemistry or Chemical Laboratory experience in an area or areas relevant to the assignment, including lead or supervisory experience

- Experience in research lab operations

- Advanced knowledge of the principles and methods used in complex chemical, laboratory and quality assurance analyses

- Knowledge of the principles and methods used in complex chemical, laboratory and quality assurance analyses

- Expert in current methods of instrumental analysis and data transfer and databases

- Ability to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions

- Skill in supervising, evaluating, training and motivating employees

- Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written

- Ability to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions

- Proven demonstration of leadership/management abilities

- Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions

- Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with, (HPLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

- Experience with, (MS), Mass Spectrometer

- Experience with, (LIMS), Laboratory Information Management Systems

- Experience with statistical analysis

- In addition to English, fluent in Spanish and/or French business language

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $95,500-$134,000. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

- Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits

- Company-paid life and disability insurance

- 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match

- Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave

- Tuition assistance

- Employee Assistance Program

- Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle

- Internal progression opportunities

- Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

- Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.

- Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.

- Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.

- Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English

- Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards

- Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment

- Work is in a lab or mine setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock

- Work requires appropriate knowledge and cautionary PPE to neutralize exposure to toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear and see

- Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects (up to 40 pounds) during the course of the workday

- Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.