Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern in Sorbent Structures (80 - 100%)

at Climeworks

🏢 About Climeworks

Climeworks is a pioneer in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with over 15 years of research and deployment experience, operating the world's first two commercial DAC plants in Iceland. The company uniquely combines nature-based and engineered carbon removal solutions, offering end-to-end services to help clients achieve net-zero goals. Working here means contributing to scalable climate solutions at the forefront of carbon removal technology.

About This Role

This internship focuses on evaluating and developing sorbent structures for direct air capture, involving material testing for CO₂ adsorption behavior, stability, and structural integrity. You'll develop sample prototypes of novel materials and manage independent work packages within an integrated team. This role directly impacts Climeworks' core technology development, advancing the reliability and efficiency of their carbon removal systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves conducting material tests on novel sorbents, analyzing CO₂ adsorption data, and collaborating with team members on experimental design. You'll spend time developing sample prototypes, documenting results, and participating in team discussions about material performance and optimization strategies for direct air capture applications.

🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with material testing methodologies, particularly for adsorption behavior and structural analysis
  • Demonstrates practical skills in prototype development and sample preparation for novel materials
  • Can work independently on assigned work packages while collaborating effectively in integrated teams
  • Shows genuine passion for climate technology and carbon removal solutions, aligning with Climeworks' mission

📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks

1

Highlight specific experience with sorbent materials or adsorption testing in your resume, even from academic projects

2

Mention any remote collaboration experience since this is a remote position

3

Reference Climeworks' DAC plants in Iceland to show you've researched their operational technology

4

Quantify any material testing results you've achieved (e.g., 'improved adsorption efficiency by X%')

5

Explain how your skills align with both the technical requirements AND Climeworks' mission of scalable carbon removal

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with material testing protocols and equipment relevant to sorbent evaluation', 'Specific examples of working independently on technical projects while contributing to team goals', "Why you're passionate about DAC technology specifically, not just general environmental work", 'How your skills can contribute to improving sorbent stability and structural integrity for commercial deployment']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Climeworks' Orca and Mammoth plants in Iceland - their operational specifics and technology
  • Recent publications or patents from Climeworks related to sorbent materials or DAC technology
  • The company's holistic approach combining nature-based and engineered carbon removal solutions
  • Climeworks' partnerships and client portfolio to understand their commercial applications

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience with material characterization techniques for adsorption behavior
2 How would you approach testing the stability of a novel sorbent material over multiple cycles?
3 Describe a time you developed a prototype or sample and what challenges you encountered
4 What do you know about Climeworks' specific DAC technology and how sorbents fit into their systems?
5 How do you prioritize and manage independent work packages while staying aligned with team objectives?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic environmental enthusiasm without specific knowledge of DAC technology or sorbent science
  • Failing to demonstrate hands-on laboratory or material testing experience
  • Not understanding how this internship fits into Climeworks' commercial deployment strategy

📅 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 Climeworks!