Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern in Sorbent Development (80-100%)
at Climeworks
🏢 About Climeworks
Climeworks is a pioneer in direct air capture technology, operating the world's first commercial DAC plant and leading the fight against climate change through scalable carbon removal solutions. Their unique approach combines cutting-edge engineering with sustainable business models, making them an ideal workplace for those passionate about tangible environmental impact through scientific innovation.
About This Role
This internship involves hands-on development of novel sorbent materials for CO2 capture, requiring synthetic chemistry work, material characterization, and data analysis to optimize performance. You'll directly contribute to improving the efficiency and scalability of Climeworks' DAC technology, making this role impactful for both climate goals and your professional growth in green chemistry.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves planning and executing sorbent synthesis experiments remotely, analyzing characterization data from previous tests, and collaborating with the team via video calls to discuss results and next steps. You'll balance hands-on chemistry work with data analysis, constantly connecting material properties to their potential impact on CO2 capture efficiency.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For
- A chemistry or interdisciplinary sciences student with hands-on lab experience in organic/polymer synthesis and material characterization techniques
- Someone who can bridge theoretical chemistry knowledge with practical data analytics to solve real-world CO2 capture challenges
- A collaborative team player who understands how sorbent development fits into the larger DAC process and can communicate findings effectively
📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks
Highlight specific lab techniques you've mastered (e.g., FTIR, BET surface area analysis, polymerization methods) relevant to sorbent development
Describe any academic or research projects involving adsorption materials, CO2 capture, or sustainable chemistry with concrete results
Demonstrate understanding of Climeworks' specific DAC technology by referencing their Orca or Mammoth plants in your application
Show how you've combined chemistry knowledge with data analysis in past work, even if using basic tools like Excel or Python for lab data
Emphasize remote collaboration skills since this is a remote position, mentioning tools like LabArchives or digital lab notebooks if applicable
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your hands-on experience with chemical synthesis and characterization techniques relevant to sorbent materials', "Specific examples of how you've analyzed experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions in past projects", 'Your understanding of how material properties affect overall DAC system performance', "Why Climeworks' mission and technology specifically appeal to you over other environmental companies"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Climeworks' specific DAC technology (Orca, Mammoth plants) and their published materials on sorbent performance
- → Their partnerships and carbon removal customers to understand the commercial context of your work
- → Recent patents or publications by Climeworks scientists in sorbent or DAC technology
- → Their corporate values and sustainability reports to align your application with their mission
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with only theoretical chemistry knowledge without demonstrating hands-on lab experience
- Generic environmental enthusiasm without showing specific interest in DAC technology or sorbent chemistry
- Failing to connect your skills to the practical requirements of remote sorbent development work
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!