Research Scientist, Molten Salt Electrochemistry

CURIO JOB OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT

Curio Legacy Job Opportunity: Research Scientist, Molten Salt Electrochemistry

Who We Are:

At Curio Legacy, we’re building a legacy of curiosity, innovation, and excellence. We’re a team dedicated to ushering in The Second Nuclear Era®. Join us and make an impact!

About the Role:

We’re seeking a talented Research Scientist, Nuclear Fuel Cycle & Molten Salt Electrochemistry to join our Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technology team. In this role, you’ll support the design, development, and execution of advanced nuclear fuel-cycle processes, with an emphasis on molten salt chemistry, electrochemical processing, actinide chemistry, and high-temperature materials characterization. This is an opportunity to grow with a company at the forefront of nuclear technology, driven by world-class R&D and pioneering the best solutions in the field.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving molten salts, actinide compounds, and high-temperature chemical systems.
• Support development of advanced fuel-cycle processes, including halogenation, electrolysis, and related separations workflows.
• Conduct electrochemical measurements such as open-circuit potential, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, and related analytical techniques.
• Measure and interpret thermophysical and thermodynamic properties of molten salt systems.
• Design, operate, and modify laboratory systems such as gloveboxes, furnaces, thermogravimetric analyzers, electrochemical cells, and custom experimental apparatus.
• Design, fabricate, or improve experimental hardware for precise measurements in molten salt and nuclear-material environments.
• Use characterization and analytical tools such as TGA, DSC, ICP-MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, and related methods to support process development and materials analysis.
• Develop experimental procedures, safety documentation, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and external research partners to advance nuclear technology development.
• Present technical findings through reports, presentations, publications, and internal design reviews.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum Education: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field; or a Master’s degree with significant relevant research or industry experience

• Preferred Education: PhD with research emphasis in molten salt chemistry, nuclear fuel-cycle processing, electrochemistry, actinide chemistry, high-temperature materials, or thermodynamics

• Experience: 3 years of hands-on research experience in molten salt systems, electrochemical processing, actinide chemistry, high-temperature chemical processing, or related R&D. Graduate/post-doctoral research experience may be considered. Experience designing and executing experiments involving actinide compounds, chloride or fluoride salt systems, glovebox operations, or advanced chemical-processing workflows is strongly preferred.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong background in electrochemistry, thermodynamics, actinide chemistry, or nuclear fuel-cycle chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with molten salt experimental systems, high-temperature equipment, and inert-atmosphere environments.
• Familiarity with uranium chemistry, halogenation, or pyrochemical processing.
• Experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as TGA, DSC, ICP-MS, SEM/EDS, XRD, and electroanalytical methods.
• Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot complex lab systems, analyze data, and translate findings into actionable technical recommendations.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work safely and rigorously in laboratory environments involving hazardous reagents, radioactive elements, or high-temperature materials.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across multidisciplinary scientific and engineering teams.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with actinide metal-to-salt conversion, actinide chloride/fluoride chemistry, or actinide separations
• Experience designing or modifying glovebox systems, electrochemical cells, custom electrodes, or pilot-scale process equipment
• Familiarity with HSC Chemistry, CAD tools, thermodynamic modeling, and data-analysis software
• Prior experience at a national laboratory, university research center, or advanced nuclear technology organization
• Publication, conference presentation, or technical report record in nuclear chemistry, molten salts, electrochemistry, and/or materials science.

Work Environment: This role may involve work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and controlled-atmosphere environments. The successful candidate should be comfortable following strict safety protocols and working with specialized equipment, high-temperature systems, and regulated materials.

Salary Range:

$115,000–$155,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k Plan
• Yearly stock options
• Generous PTO and sick days
• Professional development opportunities
• Chance for advancement

Location:

Must currently reside in or be willing to relocate to Birmingham, AL (Relocation assistance available)

Why Join Us in Birmingham?

Birmingham is a growing hub for industry and innovation, offering a high quality of life with a low cost of living, excellent schools, and vibrant communities. Join a mission-driven startup at the forefront of advanced nuclear fuel recycling, where your contributions will have direct, high-impact influence on pioneering technologies for The Second Nuclear Era®.

How to Apply:

Ready to work at Curio Legacy? Please submit the following to work@curiolegacy.com:

• Your resume – must include your physical address, email address, and cell phone number
• A cover letter highlighting how your unique qualifications fit the position
• Contact information for 2-3 professional references (name, phone, email, and relationship)

Application Deadline:

Applications accepted until July 31, 2026

Questions?

Reach out to us at work@curiolegacy.com with any inquiries.

Curio is an equal opportunity employer. We value talent and ensure equal consideration and opportunity for all qualified applicants.