Research Scientist – Analytical Technologies

Research Scientist – Analytical Technologies

• Shape the future of aluminum through innovation and collaboration.
• Join a global company that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of its employees.
• Work on innovative projects that have a direct impact on the future of aluminum production.
• Position based at the Arvida Research and Development Centre (CRDA), in Saguenay.

We are looking for better ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, today and for the future. Our values — kindness, courage, and curiosity — guide our way of working and how we treat each other.

About the Position

We are seeking a Research Scientist to contribute to the development of new knowledge, new analytical capabilities, and innovative technological solutions within the Analytical Technologies group of the Arvida Research and Development Centre (CRDA) of Rio Tinto Aluminium.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to actively participate in applied research projects aimed at addressing the challenges of tomorrow's aluminum production, industrial process decarbonization, and the characterization of alternative materials used in processes, enabling Rio Tinto to maintain its global leadership.

You will also have the opportunity to collaborate closely with internal plant clients, research and development teams, universities, research centers, equipment suppliers, and various external partners involved in technological development.

You will work in an environment using several state-of-the-art analytical equipment such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LIBS, XRF, DRX, MEB-EDS, and other advanced characterization technologies.

You will work on a 5-day work week, 2-day off schedule and report to the Head of the Analytical Sector. Your responsibilities will include:

• Actively contribute to research and development projects related to material characterization, industrial process decarbonization, and the improvement of Rio Tinto Aluminium's operational performance.
• Develop and implement new analytical methods for the characterization of raw materials, materials, biomaterials, intermediate products, and finished products.
• Participate in the development of new advanced analytical capabilities, including real-time measurement technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics applied to industrial processes.
• Plan, conduct, and coordinate experimental programs in collaboration with internal clients, research partners, and specialized suppliers.
• Ensure the analysis, interpretation, and valorization of complex data from analytical instruments and experimental trials.
• Participate in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new analytical technologies to enhance characterization capabilities and the speed of obtaining results.
• Ensure the maintenance and continuous improvement of quality standards, laboratory practices, and management systems in compliance with ISO 17025 requirements and industry best practices.
• Exercise technical leadership on several multidisciplinary projects and coordinate work with internal and external partners.
• Supervise and support technical personnel involved in laboratory and research activities while ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Contribute to the identification of new technological opportunities and the generation of intellectual property to enhance Rio Tinto's competitive advantage.
• Represent the CRDA at technical committees, scientific conferences, industrial groups, and national and international research networks.
• Your Contribution
• To be considered for the position, the following requirements must be met:
• Master's or Doctorate degree in fundamental or applied sciences: chemistry, chemical engineering, or mining
• Membership in the Order of Chemists of Quebec
• 3 to 5 years of experience in an industrial or mining research and development environment
• Expertise in the field of mineral analytical chemistry
• Expertise in data processing (statistics)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication, and influential leadership
• Proficiency in both French and English, both spoken and written. Rio Tinto is a global company, and the functions of this position require daily collaboration with colleagues, teams, or partners based outside Quebec

Assets

• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as ion chromatography, FRX, DRX, TGA, DSC, ICP-AES, ICP-MS, and good sampling and sample preparation practices
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 standards
• Knowledge of continuous improvement (Black Belt and Green Belt)
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

*No need to fill all the boxes to apply: your motivation and ideas count as much as your experience!*

What We Offer

• Gain recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, and your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing you have helped the world progress.
• Work environment where safety is always the top priority
• Opportunities for professional advancement and training support according to your aspirations
• Very competitive base salary
• Access to favorable life, health, and disability insurance, and advantageous retirement plans
• Competitive employee share ownership plan with employer participation
• Time accumulation banks and various leave options depending on the collective agreement in force
• New parental leave of 18 weeks offering 100% pay during the leave period
• Employee discounts
• Annual reimbursement for physical activities up to $500 per year
• Job Location

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region is an important hub for our Aluminium Products group; nearly half of its global production comes from there. Our facilities in the region include an alumina refinery, four exclusive electrolytic plants, six hydroelectric plants, our Arvida Research and Development Centre (CRDA), the Aluminium Operations Centre, a railway, and a port.

Working at Rio Tinto is also choosing to be part of a company designated as one of the best employers in Montreal and one of the 100 Best Employers in Canada in 2024 and for the 5th consecutive year.

For more information, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7168987243401965568/

The application period ends August 10, 2026 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings before this date).

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About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA2 community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected, and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us different.

À propos de Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto est un chef de file mondial du secteur des sociétés