Application Guide

How to Apply for Climate Scientist (Supply)

at Supercritical

🏢 About Supercritical

Supercritical is a pioneering platform scaling carbon removal to gigatonne levels, focusing exclusively on high-quality carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions. The company combines rigorous climate science with commercial acumen to accelerate a net-zero future, offering a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of climate tech in a fully remote, UK-based team.

About This Role

As a Climate Scientist (Supply), you will lead the vetting and development of CDR projects, ensuring only the highest-quality credits reach the platform. Your work will directly shape industry standards by refining vetting frameworks and building relationships with suppliers, making you a key player in the fight against climate change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing a new CDR project application, assessing its biomass sourcing and carbon sequestration claims using your vetting framework. You'd then jump on a call with a supplier to discuss feedback, followed by updating Excel models to track project viability metrics. Afternoon could involve collaborating with the product team to refine quality standards or researching a novel biochar technology to inform future frameworks.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Supercritical Is Looking For

  • Holds an MSc or higher in chemical engineering, environmental science, or natural sciences (or BEng/BSc with 3–5 years of relevant work experience) and possesses deep expertise in biomass-based CDR pathways like biochar or bioenergy.
  • Has prior experience in climate and sustainability fields (academic, consulting, commercial, government, or NGO) and can demonstrate a track record of applying analytical frameworks to real-world projects.
  • Is highly proficient with Excel/spreadsheets and excels at independently commercial vetting, including assessing project viability and long-term credit delivery.
  • Thrives in a remote, fast-paced startup environment and enjoys building relationships with project suppliers, offering constructive feedback and sharing market insights.

📝 Tips for Applying to Supercritical

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience with biomass-based CDR pathways (e.g., biochar, BECCS) and quantify your impact (e.g., 'Vetted 10+ biochar projects, resulting in 50,000 tCO2 credits').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention Supercritical's focus on 'high-quality' CDR and how your expertise aligns with their vetting standards—show you understand their emphasis on rigor over volume.

3

Prepare a brief case study or example of a CDR project you've previously assessed, including how you evaluated its commercial viability and long-term credit delivery.

4

Demonstrate your Excel proficiency by attaching a sample spreadsheet or describing a complex analysis you performed (e.g., sensitivity analysis for carbon sequestration rates).

5

Research Supercritical's current project portfolio and mention a specific supplier or technology you admire; this shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your deep knowledge of biomass-based CDR pathways and how you've applied that knowledge in a vetting or assessment capacity.", 'Highlight your ability to balance scientific rigor with commercial pragmatism—essential for assessing both quality and viability.', 'Show enthusiasm for shaping industry standards by refining vetting frameworks, and mention any experience you have with developing methodologies or criteria.', 'Demonstrate your remote collaboration skills and comfort with independent work, as the role is fully remote.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Supercritical's website and blog to understand their current CDR project types and quality criteria (e.g., their 'Quality Standards' page).
  • → Read recent news or reports about the voluntary carbon market and CDR, especially regarding biomass-based pathways like biochar.
  • → Look into Supercritical's team on LinkedIn—note their backgrounds and any recent hires in climate science or supply roles to understand team culture.
  • → Review competitors or similar platforms (e.g., Pachama, Climeworks) to understand Supercritical's unique value proposition.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your approach to vetting a biochar project from start to finish—what criteria do you prioritize?
2 How do you stay current with climate science advancements, and how would you incorporate new research into Supercritical's vetting framework?
3 Describe a time you had to balance scientific rigor with commercial viability. How did you handle trade-offs?
4 How would you build and maintain relationships with CDR suppliers? Give an example of providing constructive feedback.
5 What is your view on the current state of biomass-based CDR quality standards? Where do you see gaps?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application—failing to mention CDR or biomass pathways shows you haven't tailored your approach.
  • Avoid being overly academic without linking to commercial application; Supercritical values practical, business-aware scientists.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of Excel/spreadsheet skills—be ready to discuss specific analyses you've done, not just general proficiency.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Supercritical!

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