Hydrometallurgy Intern

Project Description: Investigation of Vanadium Oxidation Chemistry and Reactivity with Copper-based Feedstocks

The hydrometallurgy intern will conduct a structured laboratory investigation into vanadium redox chemistry — specifically, the oxidation of V(IV) to V(V) and how V(V) species interact with copper-based feedstocks  under processing-relevant conditions. The findings will directly inform Still Bright's process model and deepen the team's understanding of co-product behavior in our hydrometallurgical system. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of climate tech and contribute to the success of a pioneering startup.

A successful individual in this role will bring strong wet lab skills and a rigorous, methodical approach to experimental design and data analysis. They will be a part of a high-performing team, manage their own research milestones, and contribute meaningfully to the company's mission of revolutionizing metals production.

What You'll Do:

The internship is structured around a single, well-defined scientific challenge: understanding how vanadium behaves in our system, and what that means for process design.

You'll start with a literature review of V(IV)/V(V) redox chemistry, vanadium speciation, and reactivity — building the conceptual foundation you'll need before running a single experiment. From there, you'll develop a detailed experimental matrix and validate your methods before diving into the lab work.

The core of the summer splits into two connected studies. First, you'll systematically investigate what conditions — oxidant type, pH, temperature, reaction time — drive efficient oxidation of V(IV) to V(V), identifying the parameters that matter most. Then, you'll take that V(V) and study how it interacts with copper based feedstocks. You'll analyze both liquid and solid phases using ICP, XRD, XRF, and SEM/EDS to build a complete picture. At the end of the internship, you'll present your mechanistic interpretation and recommendations to the full Still Bright team — leaving behind a body of experimental work that shapes how we think about vanadium in the process.

What You'll Bring:

• Entering junior or senior year of a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 1 year of experience conducting experiments in a wet laboratory environment
• Experience with rigorous data analysis in Excel or related software and presenting results clearly
• Familiarity with the operation and principles of chemical characterization equipment such as XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, or ICP-MS
• Basic understanding of redox chemistry, vanadium speciation, or hydrometallurgical methods
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to manage a multi-week experimental workplan independently in a fast-paced startup environment
• Interest in clean energy or sustainable materials is a plus