QC Chemist

Location: Boulder, CO
Reports To: 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 a motivated QC Chemist to join our Analytical team. This role is responsible for executing quality control activities supporting incoming raw material qualification and finished product quality assurance. The QC Chemist plays a key role in ensuring materials meet established specifications through consistent testing, accurate documentation, and timely completion of QC activities.

A successful candidate brings strong hands-on laboratory experience, attention to detail, and familiarity with quality control workflows, material specifications, and controlled documentation. This individual must be comfortable performing routine testing, evaluating results against established acceptance criteria, supporting material qualification and release activities, and maintaining clear and accurate QC records. This role is full-time and requires on-site presence at our Boulder lab.

Key Responsibilities

QA/QC and Materials Management

• Perform qualification testing of incoming proteins, reagents, and other critical raw materials using approved analytical and biochemical workflows
• Prepare, handle, and stage samples and materials according to defined procedures.
• Support repeat testing, confirmatory testing, and investigations for atypical or out-of-specification results.
• Assist with material qualification and release activities by ensuring required testing is completed accurately and on schedule.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Analytical Chemistry to coordinate testing, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and escalate method-related questions.
• Partner with Applied Biology to support qualification and handling of materials used in biological workflows.
• Coordinate with Lab Operations to ensure QC testing needs, supplies, equipment access, and sample logistics are maintained.
• Communicate testing status, material readiness, and laboratory needs to relevant team members.
• Support cross-functional investigations and follow-up activities as needed.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain complete and accurate QC records, test forms, material qualification documentation, and sample traceability.
• Follow approved SOPs, specifications, and quality procedures during all testing and material handling activities.
• Support updates to QC procedures, forms, and work instructions as workflows evolve.
• Document deviations, atypical results, and repeat testing in accordance with established QC practices.
• Support training and consistent execution of QC procedures across the laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant laboratory, QC, or manufacturing support experience.
• Experience executing established QC procedures and workflows.
• Familiarity with raw material qualification, sample handling and QC documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and data integrity.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across lab teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing, process development, or QC laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with chemical and biochemical testing of raw materials or finished products.
• Familiarity with techniques such as titration, UV/Vis, moisture analysis, elemental analysis, or chromatography.
• Experience with material specifications, COAs, qualification records, and release documentation.
• Familiarity with laboratory inventory, sample management, or LIMS/ELN systems.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $68,000 - $80,000, 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