Analytical Chemist III - Protein at Alta Resource… · Boulder

Analytical Chemist III - Protein

Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: Associate Director of Analytical Chemistry

About Us

Alta is reinventing how the world sources critical minerals — using protein-based chemistry to extract rare earth elements and other essential materials from challenging feedstocks with unmatched selectivity. By dramatically reducing the cost and environmental impact of mineral separation, Alta is making it possible to unlock new sources of supply for 21st-century technologies. As global demand accelerates, securing these materials has become one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. competitiveness and national security. Backed by top investors and government partners, Alta is growing fast and hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers to help us scale our platform and transform the future of mining.

Role Summary

Alta is seeking an Analytical Chemist III – Protein to join our growing Analytical Chemistry group. This role will develop, qualify, and execute analytical methods for protein and biomolecule characterization in support of Alta’s separation processes and innovation pipeline.

The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on experience with protein analytics, with particular emphasis on HPLC method development. Additional responsibilities will include developing high-throughput and complementary methods using techniques such as UV-Vis, plate-based assays, and SDS-PAGE, as well as interpreting protein characterization data.

This position will serve as the technical lead for protein analytics within the Analytical Chemistry group and will partner closely with Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering teams to establish robust, scalable analytical workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Method Development and Execution

• Develop, optimize, qualify, and execute analytical methods for protein and biomolecule characterization, with HPLC as a primary area of ownership.
• Establish robust, reproducible workflows using techniques such as HPLC-DAD, UV-Vis, plate-based assays, SDS-PAGE, and other applicable protein analytical methods.
• Develop scalable and high-throughput analytical approaches to support increasing sample volume and rapid experimental iteration.
• Troubleshoot method performance, resolve analytical challenges, and improve assay reliability, throughput, and data quality.
• Support interpretation and integration of data generated by third-party laboratories, including LC-MS and other specialized protein characterization techniques.

High-Throughput Workflow Development

• Develop and implement high-throughput protein analytical workflows to support increased sample volume and rapid experimental iteration.
• Optimize sample preparation, assay design, and analytical workflows to reduce manual handling and improve operational efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify bottlenecks and build scalable analytical solutions that support evolving R&D needs.

Collaboration and Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical lead for protein analytics, providing guidance on method selection, data interpretation, and analytical strategy.
• Support method standardization, tech transfer, and adoption of best practices across protein analytical workflows.
• Partner closely with Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering teams to define analytical needs and translate them into effective testing strategies.
• Communicate analytical results, limitations, and recommendations clearly to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate with external laboratories and vendors for specialized protein characterization, including review and interpretation of third-party data.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant analytical laboratory experience
• Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and executing HPLC methods for proteins, peptides, or other biomolecules.
• Experience with complementary protein analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, plate-based assays, SDS-PAGE, or similar methods.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot analytical methods, interpret data, and communicate results across technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LC-MS for protein, peptide, or biomolecule characterization, including TOF, QTOF, or Orbitrap platforms.
• Prior experience scaling protein analytics into higher-throughput laboratory environments or supporting development programs with increasing sample demand.
• Familiarity with protein quantification, purity, aggregation, or stability assays.
• Experience qualifying or validating analytical methods in a research or process-development environment.
• Experience working with external laboratories, instrument vendors, or contract testing partners.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 commensurate with educational background and work experience.

Benefits include:

• 401(K)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays