Get to Know Climeworks
Climeworks is a leading provider of high-quality carbon removal solutions, leveraging decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology alongside a holistic approach to carbon management.
Our company advises organizations on effective carbon removal strategies, curating tailored portfolios of both nature-based and engineered solutions. We offer comprehensive services aimed at achieving net-zero goals, exemplified by our operation of the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland. This establishes our commitment to high-quality carbon removal, grounded in over 15 years of pioneering research and deployment.
By advancing the most reliable solutions available, Climeworks is accelerating the global transition to net zero, creating economic value for businesses, governments, and society alike.
We foster a dynamic work environment and are in the process of building a global, purpose-driven team. We seek disruptive thinkers, passionate achievers, and inspiring leaders who are ready to face the world’s greatest challenges.
Will you join us?
Your Mission
Job Description
- Sorbent Development: Develop future sorbent technologies based on key performance indicators such as capacity, kinetics, lifetime, cost, and emissions, while staying current with emerging sorbent technologies through literature, patents, and industry networks.
- Material Screening & Characterization: Utilize advanced analytical tools for rapid technical feasibility assessments and develop structured evaluation frameworks to identify promising sorbent materials in the early stages of development.
- Next-Generation Sorbent Identification: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize next-generation sorbents available in the market that meet minimal entry criteria.
- Testing & Data Management: Conduct testing campaigns to assess sorbent potential for Climeworks’ technology and support the creation and maintenance of a sorbent database to identify promising candidates.
- Lab Operation & Safety: Ensure the proper operation and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, foster a safety-first culture, and accurately document all experimental work.
- Confidentiality & IP Management: Protect confidential concepts, arrange NDAs when necessary, and keep patent stakeholders informed about new ideas and designs.
- Health, Safety & Environment: Adhere to Climeworks safety protocols, communicate potential risks, and partake in safety exercises and training.
Your Story
Requirements
- Advanced Chemistry Background: Hold an advanced degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, complemented by a strong scientific background in material development.
- Material Synthesis and Analytics Expertise: Possess over 5 years of experience in hands-on synthetic chemistry and material characterization, ideally with knowledge of porous materials. Utilize expertise to critically evaluate materials at an early development stage using advanced data analytics and high-throughput screening.
- Material Evaluation: Have experience in technology scouting and external innovation by establishing evaluation frameworks (minimal entry criteria).
- Independent & Results-Driven: Comfortably lead your own workstreams, assume ownership of deliverables, and drive projects toward measurable outcomes with a proactive and accountable approach.
- Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills: Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team and coordinate contracts across technical and legal functions. Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently to technical and non-technical audiences alike.
- Language & Travel: Be proficient in English, both spoken and written, enabling seamless communication in an international environment.
What We Offer
- Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days each year, plus public holidays.
- Flexibility: Work in a manner that suits you best, with a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
- Ownership: Receive fair base pay complemented by an equity package – your contributions matter.
- Family Support: Benefit from inclusive parental leave policies.
- Continuous Learning: Access a dedicated budget for your professional growth.
- Referral Rewards: Help us expand our team and receive bonuses for your successful referrals.
- Salary: Our salary ranges are determined by the level of seniority and the specific market median for similar jobs, with individual compensation reflecting your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.
Formalities
This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week. The percentage in the job title indicates flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what suits you best.
We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies. Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.