Principal Geochemist

As a Principal Geochemist, you will provide technical leadership across a broad range of mining projects throughout the mine lifecycle while supporting the development of both clients and colleagues.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leading the technical delivery of complex geochemistry studies across the mining lifecycle, including Scoping Studies, Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS), Feasibility Studies (FS), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), operational support and mine closure planning.

Providing senior technical direction for mine waste and tailings geochemical characterisation programmes, including sample selection and the design of static, kinetic, leach and mineralogical testing programmes.

Leading the interpretation of complex geochemical datasets and undertaking robust assessments of ARD/ML, salinity, constituent mobilisation and long-term water quality risks.

Developing practical geochemical management and mitigation strategies for waste rock, tailings, stockpiles, pit walls and other mine materials.

Developing and reviewing geochemical source terms and water quality predictions to support mine water management, groundwater studies, water balances, closure planning and permitting requirements.

Undertaking and overseeing advanced geochemical modelling using PHREEQC.

Providing specialist technical input to mine closure studies, including pit lakes, flooded mine workings, seepage quality assessments, mine water treatment requirements and post-closure monitoring programmes.

Integrating geochemistry with mine waste, tailings, hydrogeology, hydrology, mine water and closure engineering studies to deliver practical, risk-based recommendations.

Acting as a technical reviewer and quality assurance lead for geochemistry deliverables.

Leading technical investigations, field programmes, sampling campaigns and laboratory testing strategies where required.

Managing project scopes, programmes, budgets, resources, laboratories and subcontractors.

Supporting proposal development, project planning, client engagement and business development initiatives.

Building and maintaining strong client relationships and identifying opportunities to expand geochemistry services across existing and new projects.

Mentoring and developing Senior, Project and Graduate Geochemists.

Contributing to technical standards, methodologies, data management approaches and modelling capabilities across the team.

Supporting industry engagement activities, including technical papers, conference presentations and professional guidance documents.

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and are committed to supporting their professional and personal wellbeing through a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Competitive salary.

Company pension scheme.

Private healthcare and wellbeing support.

Travel and life insurance.

Structured career development and progression opportunities.

Regular performance and career development reviews.

25 days annual leave plus flexible bank holidays.

Hybrid, agile and flexible working arrangements.

Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance.

Opportunities to work on internationally significant mining and mine closure projects.

Access to industry-leading specialists across a range of environmental, engineering and sustainability disciplines.

At SLR, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Through our Culture & Inclusion Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages different perspectives.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within our industry. We believe that diverse teams create stronger solutions for our clients, colleagues and communities.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we are committed to providing equitable support throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments at any stage of your application, please let us know.

If you're an established geochemist looking for the opportunity to influence major international mining projects, provide technical leadership and help shape the future growth of a highly regarded geochemistry practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us make sustainability happen.