Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA (Mission District) · On-site · Full-time

About Thunderstone

Thunderstone is a deep-tech startup reinventing how the world accesses critical minerals. Traditional mining is excavation-heavy, expensive, and environmentally destructive. We are developing new in-situ mining methods using high-voltage electrical stimulation to unlock metals with dramatically lower energy use, water consumption, and environmental impact.

Our work sits at the intersection of geoscience, chemistry, and applied physics, with active laboratory programs focused on ore permeability, fluid flow, and electrically driven metal extraction.

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Scientist (MS or PhD level) to support hands-on experimental development, data synthesis, and technical discussion across our core R&D programs.

This role is designed for an early-career scientist who wants to work close to real experiments and physical systems — not a purely theoretical or managerial position. You will work directly with senior scientists and engineers, contributing to experimental execution, interpretation, and iteration in a fast-moving applied R&D environment.

This is not an intern or technician role. You will have real ownership over experiments and a voice in technical decision-making.

What You’ll Do

• Support the design, execution, and iteration of laboratory experiments related to:
• In-situ metal recovery and leaching
• Fluid flow through ore matrices
• Electrical stimulation of geological materials
• Materials and mineral characterization
• Collect, process, and analyze experimental data (e.g. flow rates, electrical measurements, chemistry results).
• Generate plots, summaries, and technical write-ups to inform experimental direction.
• Participate in troubleshooting and interpretation discussions to help guide next experiments.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and scientists on experimental planning and system improvements.
• Support technical documentation for internal reports, grants, and partner communications as needed.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• MS or PhD / equivalent in Geoscience, Geochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience executing physical experiments.
• Strong comfort working with experimental data and drawing conclusions from imperfect datasets.
• Ability to reason across disciplines (chemistry, physics, geology).
• Clear written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Willingness to work primarily on-site in a laboratory environment.
• Self awareness, sense of humor, and overall good human :)

Nice to Have

• Experience with mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, electrochemistry, or porous media.
• Familiarity with electrical measurements or experimental hardware.
• Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience in a startup, pilot-scale lab, or applied R&D setting.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 (depending on experience)
• Equity: 0.25% – 0.5% ownership (4-year vesting, 1-year cliff), with opportunity for additional equity based on performance and impact
• Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Growth: Salary and equity review after 6–12 months based on performance and project milestones
• Flexible time off and a mission-driven, collaborative team environment

Why Join Thunderstone

• Work hands-on with real physical systems shaping next-generation mining technology
• Contribute directly to experiments that inform pilot-scale and field deployment
• Gain broad exposure across geoscience, electrochemistry, and applied hardware systems
• Grow into more senior scientific or technical roles as the company scales
• Participate meaningfully in equity upside from an early stage