Analytical Lab Intern

Cyclic Materials is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our fully integrated proprietary technology platform, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high-purity materials used to produce new permanent magnets. These magnets are critical to the modern economy, underpinning AI, automotive, e-mobility, electronics, semiconductor, energy, defense, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.

Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly become a category leader in rare earth recovery, achieving commercial operations in less than five years. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with further expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by investment accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling quickly and building the industrial backbone required to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable supply of rare earths.

We have established an extensive and growing network of commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the rapid deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real-world supply chains. Joining Cyclic Materials means tackling complex and exciting challenges at scale alongside a team committed to strong execution and measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Analytical Laboratory Intern to join our analytical laboratory team. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting commercial operations, research and development, and the development of hydrometallurgical processes.

Working under the guidance of experienced laboratory professionals, the intern will assist with sample preparation and analysis, laboratory experiments, data collection, documentation, and equipment maintenance. This opportunity is well suited to a student or recent graduate seeking practical experience in analytical chemistry, metallurgy, chemical engineering, or materials science. This is a 12 month internship working out of our analytical lab in Kingston, Ontario. 

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and analyzing samples from daily operations and laboratory experiments.
• Follow established procedures for sample handling, labeling, storage, and disposal.
• Support the operation of laboratory instruments such as pH meters, spectrometers, leach columns, AAS, ICP, carbon-sulfur analyzers, XRF, TGA, particle-size analyzers, and filtration systems.
• Assist with hydrometallurgical testing, including leaching, precipitation, filtration, solvent extraction, and metal-recovery activities.
• Follow analytical standard operating procedures and support updates to laboratory methods and documentation.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment through routine cleaning, calibration checks, and basic troubleshooting under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of samples, consumables, equipment maintenance, experimental conditions, observations, and test results.
• Enter, organize, and review analytical data for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with preparing summaries, presentations, and technical reports.
• Support method validation and method detection limit studies when required.
• Participate in laboratory housekeeping, inventory management, and consumables tracking.
• Follow all safety, environmental, quality, and laboratory procedures.
• Support logistics and Transportation of Dangerous Goods activities under the supervision of trained and authorized employees.
• Collaborate with laboratory, operations, engineering, and research and development teams.
• Perform other related duties and internship projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in analytical chemistry, chemistry, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Completion of relevant laboratory coursework or academic laboratory experience.
• Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, sample preparation, titration, and chemical analysis methods.
• An interest in hydrometallurgy, metals recovery, recycling, or industrial process development.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Basic data analysis and Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively under supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, research, or academic laboratory experience.
• Exposure to analytical instruments such as AAS, ICP, XRF, TGA, or carbon-sulfur analyzers.
• Coursework or project experience involving hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, metallurgy, chemical processing, or materials characterization.
• Familiarity with leaching, precipitation, filtration, solvent extraction, or metal-recovery processes.
• Experience organizing and interpreting experimental data.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools or laboratory information management systems.
• Previous exposure to a pilot plant, industrial laboratory, or manufacturing environment.

Pay Range

$54,000 - $54,000 CAD

Why You Will Love Cyclic Materials  

• At Cyclic Materials, we're dedicated to supporting our workforce on their unique career journey
• We offer a competitive compensation package including Health and Dental coverage, RRSP (Canada)/ 401K (USA) contributions and a generous paid time off program that lets you recharge
• We value diversity and are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone is respected and recognized for their contributions

The base compensation offered is determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and competencies and considers internal equity.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Cyclic Materials is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed. If you require accommodation at any stage of the interview process, please email HumanResources@cyclicmaterials.earth. Applicants for roles in Canada or the United States must be authorized to work in the applicable country without current or future sponsorship from Cyclic Materials, including for an H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN, L1-A visa, or any other non-immigrant status.

To all applicants, your interest and effort are sincerely appreciated. While we thank everyone for their application, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.