Senior R&D Chemist / Senior R&D Chemistess - Sorbent Innovation Lead

Job Description

Sorbent Development: You will develop future sorbent technologies based on key performance indicators such as capacity, kinetics, lifetime, cost, and emissions. Staying informed on emerging sorbent technologies through literature, patents, and industry networks will be essential.

Material Screening & Characterization: You will apply advanced analytical tools for rapid technical feasibility assessments and develop structured evaluation frameworks to identify promising sorbent materials at an early stage of development.

Next-Generation Sorbent Identification: Identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing the next generation of sorbents available in the market that meet minimal entry criteria will be part of your responsibilities.

Testing & Data Management: You will 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: Ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, implementing a safety-first culture, and accurately documenting all experimental work are crucial components of this role.

Confidentiality & IP Management: You will be responsible for protecting confidential concepts, arranging NDAs as necessary, and ensuring patent stakeholders are informed about new ideas and designs.

Health, Safety & Environment: You are expected to follow Climeworks safety rules, communicate potential risks, and actively participate in safety exercises and trainings.

Requirements

• Advanced Chemistry Background: You hold an advanced degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, along with a strong scientific background in synthetic chemistry.
• Material Synthesis and Analytics Expertise: With over 5 years of hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry and material characterization, including at least 2 years outside of academia, you can critically evaluate materials at an early stage using advanced data analytics and high-throughput screening.
• Material Evaluation: You have experience in technology scouting and external innovation, capable of setting up evaluation frameworks with minimal entry criteria.
• Independent & Results-Driven: You are comfortable leading your own workstreams, taking ownership of deliverables, and consistently driving projects toward measurable results.
• Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills: A strong collaborator within cross-functional teams, you can coordinate contracts across technical and legal functions, and communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Language & Travel: Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for smooth communication in an international environment.

Our Commitment

At Climeworks, we embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply online using the form below, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. If you believe you would be a great fit for this role, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, in addition to public holidays.
• Flexibility: Work in a way 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 paired with an equity package, recognizing that your contributions matter.
• Family Support: Access our inclusive parental leave.
• Continuous Learning: Benefit from a dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.
• Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.

Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are determined based on the level of seniority and the specific market median for similar jobs, as per external benchmark surveys. Your individual compensation will depend on 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; you may choose full-time or part-time work according to your preference. Please note that we do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.