Analytical Test Technician

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We’re hiring an Analytical Test Technician to join our team in Westborough, MA! We are looking for a detail orientated hands-on individual who has experience in a lab setting.


2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm with training being held on 1st shift.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Perform analytical material characterization testing notably ICP-OES.

  • Solve technical problems related to routine testing.

  • Follow test plans and protocols.

  • Analyze tests results and report results/conclusions.

  • Performs troubleshooting on lab equipment as required.

  • Report test progress to management

  • Observe all company, state and federal safety and environmental regulations.

  • Assist with waste and chemical management.


Education and Other Qualifications:



  • Associate degree in chemistry or related field

  • 1-2 years of work experience in R&D or battery testing environment or chemical/materials lab related experience in University or Industry preferred.

  • Computer Proficiency (MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

  • Good lab practices such as safety, recording and documentation.

  • Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

  • The ability to lift 50 lbs. or more.


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Our Hiring Process

Benefits and Culture

From health and wellness to employee engagement and professional development, our goal is to foster a thriving workplace culture. Check out our benefits and culture section to learn more about our various programs and initiatives.

We are committed to supporting a company culture that will positively impact your quality of life and contribute to your professional success – making Ascend Elements somewhere you’ll want to stay for a long time.

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Who We Are

We are made up of an impressive variety of talented employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

United States Veterans
Ascend Element United States Veterans — From serving our country to joining the Ascend Elements Team. Find your new home with a strong and proud group of fellow veterans.

"Ascend Elements is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven company at the ground floor, where your well-earned technical and leadership skills can have a direct impact on our growth and progress in a pioneer US industry. Ascend Elements provides a work environment and culture all too familiar with veterans; like-minded individuals (including many veterans) from diverse backgrounds and skills working towards a common goal through commitment and collaboration."

Ben Pope

Construction Program Manager, United States Marine Corps

“Similar to the reason why most veterans joined the military, employees at Ascend Elements feel a sense of purpose and meaning beyond themselves. It's not just a job here, it's everyone at Ascend marching in the same direction with the end goal of keeping America at the top of cutting-edge technology in the battery materials industry and preserving rare Earth metals.”

Cory Radcliffe

Construction Program Manager United States Marine Corps and Air Force

"You can apply skills learned in the military like teamwork and critical thinking every day to solve problems in an environment where your background is welcomed. In the same vein as my time in the Army, I get to provide meaningful contributions to real world problems alongside a group of people committed to a collective goal."

Andrew Walther

Construction Program Manager, United States Army

Interns to Full Time
Interns can journey to full-time team members. From interns to full time employees. Hear how their experience drove them to join the Ascend Elements Team permanently.

“Being an intern at AE allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in engineering. Working on projects at the pilot facility brought my academic knowledge to life, deepening my understanding of engineering concepts. Choosing permanent employment at AE post-graduation was driven by the company's rapid growth, ensuring diverse experiences across multiple engineering domains and avoiding monotony in tasks."

Alexis Clark

Chemical Engineer

"Being an intern at Ascend Elements opened many doors for me and helped me to land several interviews both inside and outside AE prior to joining full time. The experience I accrued as an intern helped to guide my thinking and to realize what career path I wanted to pursue. You will not find a more dedicated and passionate team than Team Ascend!"

Matt Eggert

Associate Scientist

Passion for Communities 
& Sustainability
Want to make a difference? From sustainability to community advocacy, our employees have a passion for making the world a better place.

“Ascend Elements’ investment and commitment in Hopkinsville will be a game changer for our community for generations to come. The Ascend Elements leadership is dedicated to not only upcycling, but also the culture of growth within the organization.”

DeeAnna Sova

Equity Program Manager

"Ascend Elements is a company that is going to change the carbon footprint on the earth by recycling EV batteries. We are always working on ways to change the future of an EV batteries in the world. AE has found a process to keep batteries out of landfills and to recycle them back to a battery grade product that can be reused and/or recycled."

Kay Dixon

Sales Order Specialist

Similar Jobs

Analytical Test Technician

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We’re hiring an Analytical Test Technician to join our team in Westborough, MA! We are looking for a detail orientated hands-on individual who has experience in a lab setting.


2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm with training being held on 1st shift.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Perform analytical material characterization testing notably ICP-OES.

  • Solve technical problems related to routine testing.

  • Follow test plans and protocols.

  • Analyze tests results and report results/conclusions.

  • Performs troubleshooting on lab equipment as required.

  • Report test progress to management

  • Observe all company, state and federal safety and environmental regulations.

  • Assist with waste and chemical management.


Education and Other Qualifications:



  • Associate degree in chemistry or related field

  • 1-2 years of work experience in R&D or battery testing environment or chemical/materials lab related experience in University or Industry preferred.

  • Computer Proficiency (MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

  • Good lab practices such as safety, recording and documentation.

  • Willingness to comply with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear when necessary.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

  • The ability to lift 50 lbs. or more.


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Process Automation and Controls Engineer

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are currently hiring a Process Automation and Controls Engineer. You will be working with the Company’s core cathode materials remaking technology, including designing, implementing, and maintaining process instrumentation and control equipment at our site in Westborough.


This role will be onsite in Westborough, MA with 50% travel to other AE facilities.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:



  • Design and develop control strategies with Process Engineers, Scientists, and Principal Investigators (Project Lead). Includes assisting in selection of process equipment, specifying instrumentation and controls equipment, control panel design, programming, and commissioning.

  • Build and implement company control infrastructure and plant control systems to include databases, SCADA, PLC, HMI, OT Network, and vision/motion control.

  • Maintain and provide troubleshooting support for commercial production facilities. Includes remote support.

  • Support commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of existing control systems

  • Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to: Design review for future pilot and commercial facilities (P&ID), working with quality in selecting and integrating SPC into automation as needed, and other production data tracking and integration for process control improvements & increasing safety and automation at pilot & production facilities.

  • Additional responsibilities may include providing automation support to the commercial production facility in Covington Georgia, as well as design review and commissioning support for future facilities.

  • Meet all physical requirement of the positions: walking/standing for extended periods of time, working in both lab and office, travelling in some cases to other Ascend Elements facilities and conference.

  • Excellent in both written and oral languages. Summarize data and report project progress regularly.


Education and Other Requirements:



  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Preferably Chemical, Electrical or Automation.

  • At least 3 years’ experience developing automation and controls in hands-on chemical process manufacturing.

  • Proficient in programming with ladder logic, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar PLC’s and HMI’s.

  • Experience in reviewing P&ID’s and working through controls logic with Process Engineers.

  • Selecting, commissioning, and installing control systems.

  • Troubleshooting of instrumentation, motors, controllers, network systems, and wiring with support of staff electricians and IT as needed.

  • Experience with electrical troubleshooting and terminating low voltage controls wiring.

  • Knowledge of Databases, Networking, and SCADA’s.

  • Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, HART, and other industrial communication protocols

  • Ignition experience a plus

  • PlantPAx experience preferred

  • DeltaV experience a plus


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.



Solvent Extraction Engineer

Ascend Element is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are seeking a highly skilled Solvent Extraction Engineer to join our team and play a crucial role in developing and optimizing solvent extraction processes for critical materials. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in bench-scale and pilot-scale solvent extraction testing, particularly in the extraction, scrubbing, and stripping of Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), and Manganese (Mn). Experience in lithium-ion battery recycling or hydrometallurgical processing of battery materials is a strong asset.


Role is based in Westborough, MA with 25% domestic & international travel.



Key Responsibilities:



  • Conduct bench-scale solvent extraction test work, including phase separation, distribution coefficient analysis, and reagent selection.

  • Design, set up, and operate pilot-scale solvent extraction systems to optimize metal recovery processes.

  • Develop and optimize extraction, scrubbing, and stripping stages for Ni, Co, Mn, and other critical metals.

  • Analyze process parameters and adjust conditions to improve extraction efficiency and separation selectivity.

  • Work closely with analytical teams to interpret assay results and optimize extraction conditions.

  • Develop and implement process models for solvent extraction circuit design and optimization.

  • Identify and troubleshoot process inefficiencies, reagent degradation, and phase separation issues.

  • Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to integrate solvent extraction processes into commercial-scale operations.

  • Prepare technical reports, SOPs, and process documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Stay updated on emerging trends in hydrometallurgy, particularly in lithium-ion battery recycling and critical materials extraction.


Qualifications & Skills:



  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in solvent extraction processes, preferably in Ni, Co, Mn, or battery recycling applications.

  • Strong knowledge of solvent extraction chemistry, phase separation, and reagent systems (e.g., D2EHPA, Cyanex, PC-88A, TBP).

  • Experience with pilot plant operations, including mixer-settlers, contactors, and continuous extraction systems.

  • Familiarity with hydrometallurgical processing of battery materials, including lithium-ion battery recycling, is a plus.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot process inefficiencies.

  • Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as ICP-OES, titration, and pH control in solvent extraction systems.

  • Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment.

  • Strong technical writing and reporting skills.


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Planner/Scheduler

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are currently hiring a Planner / Scheduler! This role will be responsible for providing detailed conceptual estimates from pre-construction schematic and design documents and detailed construction estimates from construction plans and specifications. Project scopes are generally less than $50 million or for designated components on large, complex projects.


Job Overview


The Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and monitoring project schedules to support the successful execution of Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) battery recycling projects. This role involves applying industry best practices in planning and scheduling to ensure effective resource allocation, progress tracking, and critical path management.


The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a solid command of Primavera P6, and the ability to assess project trends while proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies. The Planner/Scheduler will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, providing essential scheduling insights that drive efficiency and timely project execution.


Key Responsibilities


Project Planning & Scheduling



  • Develop and maintain logically linked Level 3 and Level 4 EPCC schedules, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

  • Prepare predecessor and successor relationships in accordance with best scheduling practices and precedence flow diagrams.

  • Integrate EPCC activities into a fully resource-loaded and logically sequenced project schedule.

  • Develop and monitor the project baseline schedule, tracking variances and providing recovery plans when necessary.

  • Utilize earned value management (EVM) techniques to measure project progress and forecast potential deviations.


Resource & Progress Management



  • Generate workforce histograms, progress curves, and quantity tracking reports to ensure proper resource allocation.

  • Resource load and level schedules to efficiency and prevent bottlenecks.

  • Support work package planning efforts, identifying required resources, materials, tools, and equipment for timely execution.

  • Track and report schedule compliance, analyzing key performance factors and deviations from baseline.


Schedule Risk & Critical Path Analysis



  • Conduct critical path method (CPM) analysis, identifying potential delays and recommending mitigation measures.

  • Evaluate schedule risks and constraints that could impact project delivery, developing contingency plans as needed.

  • Lead schedule review meetings and facilitate detailed multi-discipline scope reviews to ensure alignment across teams.

  • Monitor and analyze project schedule variations based on historical data and current trends, providing proactive recommendations for improvement.


Stakeholder Collaboration & Reporting



  • Act as the primary schedule liaison between engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning teams.

  • Work closely with project managers and functional leads to ensure schedule alignment with project execution plans.

  • Provide regular schedule reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for management and key stakeholders.

  • Mentor junior planners, providing guidance on best scheduling practices and software utilization.


Qualifications & Experience


Essential Qualifications:



  • Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in project management, Engineering, Construction, Business Management, or a related field.

  • 5-7 years of experience in project planning and scheduling for large-scale projects (EPC, EPCM, etc).

  • Expertise in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project, with experience integrating schedules across multiple disciplines.

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (curves, histograms, dynamic tables, formulas, and reporting).

  • Strong understanding of earned value management (EVM), resource leveling, and forecasting techniques.

  • Ability to analyze and interpret scheduling data to drive informed decision-making.

  • Experience in conducting schedule risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.

  • Knowledge of construction and fabrication processes, including work packaging and installation sequencing.


Preferred Qualifications:



  • Certification in Primavera P6, PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional), or AACE PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional).

  • Experience in battery recycling, renewable energy, or industrial construction projects.

  • Knowledge of cost control and its integration with scheduling functions.

  • Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to schedule optimization and risk mitigation.


Key Competencies & Skills



  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to assess scheduling issues, anticipate challenges, and develop practical solutions.

  • Attention to Detail – Ensure accuracy and completeness in schedule development and tracking.

  • Analytical & Data Interpretation Skills – Ability to assess project performance through schedule analytics.

  • Strong Communication & Collaboration – Engage effectively with cross-functional teams and present complex scheduling data in a clear and actionable manner.

  • Organizational & Time Management – Handle multiple priorities while maintaining schedule integrity.



APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Precursor Process Engineer

JOB TITLE: Precursor Process Engineer


JOB LOCATION: Westborough, Massachusetts. REMOTE EMPLOYMENT IS NOT AN OPTION.


REQUIRED TRAVEL: Domestic and international travel up to 50%


REQUIRED HOURS: Full-time; Third Shift. Hours are from 10:00PM to 6:00AM.


POSITION SUMMARY: The Precursor Process Engineer reports to the Manager of Precursor Processing. In this position, the employee will be responsible for supporting the development, verification, and transfer of NMC precursor materials, including mid-Ni and high-Ni chemistries, from recycled feedstocks.


REQUIRED DUTIES:



  • Lead the development of NMC precursor materials and support the scaling up process by working closely with material engineers and process engineers.

  • Summarize progress and discuss any challenges with the team, proposing solutions for possible issues.

  • Support the scaling up of precursor processing from R&D and pilot levels to mass production levels.

  • Develop, prepare, and provide detailed production and process guidelines, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flow details, safety, and quality standards.

  • Improve, customize, and troubleshoot products, equipment, and process issues during production.

  • Maintain appropriate records and reports to support GMP.


EDUCATION REQUIRMENTS:


Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field (foreign equivalent is acceptable), plus a minimum of 5 years of employment experience OR a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field (foreign equivalent is acceptable), plus a minimum of 2 years of employment experience, any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:



  • Employment experience working with complex materials design and development.

  • Employment experience in process development, control, and transfer at the mass production level.

  • Employment experience in the scale-up of chemical processes.

  • Employment experience in production areas, including process, equipment, operation, quality assurance and control, SPC, experiment design (DOE).

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery material production processes.


CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:


Must be a “Trained Lean Six Sigma Green Belt” with credentials from a professional association.


Cost Controls Engineer

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.


We are currently hiring a Cost Controls Engineer! This role will be responsible for providing detailed conceptual estimates from pre-construction schematic and design documents and detailed construction estimates from construction plans and specifications. Project scopes are generally less than $50 million or for designated components on large, complex projects.


Responsibilities include but not limited to:


Cost Estimation and Budgeting



  • Develop and implement the project controls execution plan, ensuring alignment with cost management best practices

  • Participate in the project estimating process, ensuring that project cost estimates align with contractual requirements and scope.

  • Defining and structure the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) in financial and progress systems.

  • Ensure cost coding system is properly applied, and information flow is correct and complete


Cost Tracking and Monitoring



  • Establish and maintain cost control systems to track actual expenditures against budgets and commitments.

  • Analyze and interpret cost trends, performance metrics, and cost variances.

  • Monitor actual progress vs. planned progress, including engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, and commissioning status.

  • Provide timely and accurate Cost and Progress Measurement Data, ensuring the accuracy of project cost forecasting


Earned Value Management (EVM) & Progress Measurement



  • Demonstrate understanding and application of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles for measuring project performance.

  • Set up and maintain the progress measurement system, ensuring accurate tracking of project milestones and deliverables.

  • Ensure that Issued for Construction (IFC) quantity take-offs are properly tied to turnover systems.

  • Audit quantity take-offs and reported installed quantities for consistency with project progress reports.


Forecasting and Financial Control



  • Develop and maintain the cost forecasting system and cost reports, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

  • Prepare project cash flows and cost spread analysis.

  • Undertake monthly cost forecasting and trend analysis, identifying deviations and proposing corrective actions.

  • Monitor and analyze committed costs, actual vs. budget performance, and cost productivity metrics.


Change Management and Risk Control



  • Support change management efforts, including developing cost estimates for change verification.

  • Monitor variations from the original scope of work, capturing and assessing related impacts on costs and schedule.

  • Assist with contract amendments, ensuring cost implications are properly documented and managed.


Reporting and Communication



  • Prepare and present project cost reports and variance analysis reports to project stakeholders.

  • Support accounting with cost-to-billings reconciliations and invoicing reviews.

  • Provide accurate and timely reporting on cost and progress measurement data to management.

  • Generate spreadsheet and PowerBI analysis reports for cost and progress management review.


Procurement and Subcontractor Cost Management



  • Work closely with procurement and subcontract management teams to verify progress and earned value against invoices received.

  • Ensure the cost coding system is properly applied and information flow is complete.

  • Monitor cost commitments related to material procurement and subcontractor services.

  • Support the Subcontract Management team in tracking variations and processing accruals.


Compliance and Best Practices



  • Adhere to internal project control processes and ensure compliance with industry cost management best practices.

  • Ensure that financial processes align with contractual requirements and project scope.

  • Participate in the closeout report data collection, ensuring lessons learned and cost control insights are documented for future projects.

  • Support the professional development of junior project controls personnel, providing mentorship and guidance.


Education:



  • Bachelor s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or related field required and 4+ years of related experience or completion of an Associates degree and 5+ years of related experience. Where related experience is defined as experience in cost control, project controls, or financial management in an engineering, construction, or manufacturing environment.

  • Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project financial controls.

  • Proficiency in cost control, planning and ERP software and tools (e.g., Primavera P6, SAP, Excel, PowerBI).

  • Strong proficiency in PowerBi, including data integration, DAX and creating dashboards.

  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide cost-saving recommendations.

  • Strong analytical and logic skills with the ability to maintain a high degree of precision on detailed work.

  • Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously under time constraints.

  • Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards.

  • Developed skills (written, oral, and listening) to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build successful and lasting relationships.


APPLY TODAY!


Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Request a Quote

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