Get to Know Climeworks
Climeworks is a leading provider of high-quality carbon removal solutions, blending decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility.
As a trusted advisor, Climeworks helps companies strategize their carbon removal initiatives, offering customized portfolios that combine nature-based and engineered methods. Our end-to-end services are designed to guide organizations toward achieving their net-zero goals. Climeworks operates the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, underscoring our deep commitment to effective carbon removal, supported by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.
By advancing some of the market's most reliable solutions, we facilitate the global transition to net-zero emissions, generating economic value for businesses, governments, and society.
We cultivate a dynamic environment and are building a globally-driven team. We seek innovative thinkers, passionate achievers, and inspiring leaders who are ready to confront the world’s most pressing challenges.
Will you join us?
Your Mission
Job Description
- Sorbent Development: Develop future sorbent technologies based on key performance indicators (capacity, kinetics, lifetime, cost, and emissions) while staying informed on emerging technologies through literature, patents, and industry networks.
- Material Screening & Characterization: Utilize advanced analytical tools for rapid technical feasibility assessments and create structured evaluation frameworks to identify promising sorbent materials in the early stages of development.
- Next-Generation Sorbent Identification: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize the next generation of 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 development and maintenance of a sorbent database to identify promising candidates.
- Lab Operation & Safety: Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, foster a safety-first culture, and meticulously document all experimental work.
- Confidentiality & IP Management: Safeguard confidential concepts, arrange non-disclosure agreements as necessary, and ensure patent stakeholders remain updated on new ideas and designs.
- Health, Safety & Environment: Follow Climeworks’ safety protocols, communicate potential risks, and participate in safety exercises and training.
Your Story
Requirements
- Advanced Chemistry Background: Hold an advanced degree in organic or inorganic chemistry with a strong scientific background in material development.
- Material Synthesis and Analytics Expertise: Have over 5 years of experience in practical synthetic chemistry and material characterization, ideally with a focus on porous materials. Your expertise enables a critical evaluation of materials in their early development stages through advanced data analytics and high-throughput screening.
- Material Evaluation: Possess experience in technology scouting and external innovation by establishing evaluation frameworks (minimal entry criteria).
- Independent & Results-Driven: Comfortable leading your own workstreams, taking ownership of deliverables, and driving projects towards measurable results with a proactive approach and high accountability.
- Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills: A collaborative team player capable of coordinating across technical and legal functions, clearly articulating complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Language & Travel: Proficient in English, both written and spoken, enabling effective communication in an international environment.
What We Offer
- Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days annually, in addition to public holidays.
- Flexibility: Work according to your preference—our hybrid work setup allows for up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
- Ownership: Receive fair base pay paired with an equity package reflecting the value of your contributions.
- Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.
- Continuous Learning: Access a dedicated budget for your professional development.
- Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and receive bonuses for successful referrals.
- Salary: Compensation is based on job seniority and the regional market median, influenced by your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
Formalities
This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, with a requirement to work onsite at least three days per week.
The percentage in the job title signifies flexibility—choose between full-time or part-time arrangements based on your needs.
We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.