Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician 

About the Company 

In the coming decades, demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and cobalt will continue to grow. These minerals are needed to build electric infrastructure, vehicles, data centers, and electronics. However, the mining industry is making 10x fewer discoveries per dollar spent on exploration compared to 30 years ago because the easy-to-find, near surface deposits have largely been discovered.

KoBold was founded to be the first AI native mineral exploration, mine development, and technology development company. Our goal is to turn mineral exploration into a repeatable science to discover the minerals the world needs—by integrating artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and new technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, engineers, and geologists work together to build data systems, design new sensors, and establish industry-leading workflows to develop and test subsurface predictions on our exploration projects. 

Our first discovery, Mingomba, is a high-grade copper deposit in Zambia, found after spending materially less than industry average. We are developing Mingomba with the same technical rigor that we apply to exploration. The Mingomba team brings together mine and processing engineers, geologists, data scientists, software engineers, and community, health & safety, construction, and operations specialists. By combining industry knowledge and cutting edge technology, we are developing Mingomba into a world class project that has safer and more predictable outcomes for ourselves, partners, and communities. It is expected to create thousands of good jobs for generations. 

KoBold runs exploration programs in eight countries, all with the potential for another discovery.

KoBold is privately held; investors include institutional asset managers T. Rowe Price and Canada Pension Plan Investments; technology venture capitalists Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BOND Capital, Durable Capital, StepStone, and Standard Investments; and strategic natural resources companies BHP and Mitsubishi.

About the Role

GrainLab is KoBold's mineral grain identification lab in Sudbury, Ontario. We combine microscopic and various analytical methods to find and confirm indicator minerals in heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) samples. The samples are delicate and are required to be returned in the same condition, packaging and weight it arrived as, so careful sample handling and accurate weighing are central to the job.

As GrainLab's Laboratory Technician, you will keep the daily sample workflow moving. You will receive and weigh samples, log them in our laboratory information management system (LIMS), prepare imaging trays, and load samples onto our instruments to start imaging and spectroscopy runs. At the end, you will recover every grain and return each sample to its original packaging. You will report to the Sudbury Laboratory Manager and work with KoBold's hardware, data science, software team members. Your observations from the bench will directly shape mineral exploration efforts.

This role suits someone who takes pride in precise, repeatable work, who notices when a number looks wrong, and who wants to see how modern data science is changing mineral exploration.

Responsibilities

Sample receipt, tracking and chain of custody

• Receive incoming client samples; check labels, packaging and paperwork against submission records; report any discrepancies to the Lab Manager.
• Weigh samples on precision balances at defined workflow steps and record the results accurately in the LIMS, using barcode scanners, label printers and balance integration.
• Maintain chain of custody from receipt to return, so every sample can be located and traced at all times.
• Run mass-balance checks at each step, confirm that every sample meets its return-weight tolerance, and escalate any deviation immediately.

Tray preparation and instrument workflows

• Load mineral grains into small imaging trays with a volumetric scoop to a consistent fill level, following standard operating procedures (SOPs). Exceptional candidates can also help write and develop SOPs.
• Use tray covers and vibration steps to settle grains evenly without losing material.
• Load and unload trays on our digital microscope (Keyence VHX series), and start and monitor automated imaging runs.
• Load and unload samples on our Raman spectrometer (Renishaw inVia) so that grains selected by our computer-vision model can be confirmed.
• Keep instruments, trays and work surfaces clean to prevent cross-contamination and grain loss.

Sample recovery and return

• Recover grains from trays after analysis and return each sample to its original packaging with its original labels.
• Do final weighing and LIMS close-out before samples are released.

Data quality, safety and continuous improvement

• Enter data accurately in the LIMS, and flag mislabelled, damaged or out-of-tolerance samples.
• Follow all KoBold health, safety and quality procedures, and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Do routine housekeeping, basic equipment care and consumables tracking.
• Give feedback to the hardware, software, data science and LIMS teams on workflow bottlenecks, tool usability and possible improvements.
• Help write and update SOPs as the lab's workflows mature.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Lab Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn about all aspects of mineral exploration, particularly in the geology domain. Enjoys constantly learning such that you are driving insights through using our tools in exploration and willing to work directly with geologists in the field.
• One of the following: a laboratory technician diploma (e.g., chemical, geological or laboratory technology); or a BSc in a relevant field such as geology, earth sciences, chemistry, materials science or physics; or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience.
• Ability to explain technical problems to and collaborate on solutions with domain experts who are not geologists (e.g.  software engineers). A strong communicator who enjoys working with colleagues across the company.
• Excitement about joining a fast-growing early-stage company, comfort with a dynamic work environment, and eagerness to take on an evolving range of responsibilities.
• Keen not just to build cool technology, but to figure out what technical product to build to best achieve the business objectives of the company.
• A valid passport and willingness to travel to observe our work at Mingomba or at an exploration site around the world. Travel for this role typically does not exceed one trip per year. 
• Strong attention to detail, with a track record of accurate weighing, measurement, record-keeping or data entry.
• Ability to follow written SOPs precisely and consistently, including for repetitive, high-precision tasks.
• Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor control for handling small trays and sub-millimetre mineral grains.
• Comfortable with computers and with learning new software, including database-style data entry.
• Clear written and spoken communication in English, and willingness to raise problems early.
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to work on-site in Sudbury, Ontario, on a regular day-shift schedule.
• Legal authorization to work in Canada.

Nice-to-Haves

• General experience in a geology/chemistry laboratory including rock sample handing.
• Experience with optical or digital microscopes.
• Experience with a LIMS, sample tracking, or chain-of-custody procedures in a commercial, mining or university lab.
• Experience with analytical or precision balances, including routine calibration checks.
• Familiarity with mineral identification, heavy mineral concentrates, indicator minerals or sample preparation for mineralogy.
• Exposure to Raman, XRF or other spectroscopic instruments.
• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 or similar quality-managed lab.
• Comfort with, and enjoyment of, repetitive precision work done to a high standard over a full shift.
• WHMIS and Ontario Worker Health and Safety Awareness training already completed. If not, we will provide both.
• Experience with lapidary and thin section preparation.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Indoor laboratory work at our Sudbury facility.
• Extended periods of standing or sitting at a bench, microscope or computer workstation, with regular breaks.
• Repetitive fine-motor tasks such as scooping, tray loading and handling small containers, which need a steady hand and good near vision. Accommodations are available.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of sample boxes and supplies up to 20 kg (about 44 lb), with team lifts or lift aids for anything heavier.
• Working near laser-based instruments under established laser-safety procedures, and handling mineral samples under dust-control and good-housekeeping procedures.
• Required PPE may include safety glasses, lab coat, gloves and closed-toe shoes. Training is provided.
• Day shift, Monday to Friday. Occasional extended or flexible hours may be needed as lab throughput grows. Overtime is handled in line with Ontario employment standards.

KoBold Metals is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for people of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

This position is (Full-time Exempt)

The Canadian base salary range for this full-time exempt position is $60,000-$90,000, plus equity and benefits including RRSP matching.