How to apply for Scientific Project Reviewers

About Carbon Direct

Carbon Direct is a science-first carbon management firm that helps organizations invest in high-quality carbon dioxide removal and reduction projects. Unlike many carbon offset intermediaries, they combine deep scientific expertise with rigorous quality assessment to ensure real climate impact. Working here means contributing to the scaling of carbon removal technologies at a critical time for the global economy.

About the role

As a Scientific Project Reviewer, you will evaluate a diverse portfolio of carbon dioxide removal and reduction projects against six quality criteria, producing concise structured reports. You will work under the guidance of a senior scientist, ensuring that every review meets Carbon Direct's rigorous QA/QC standards. Your work directly informs investment decisions and helps maintain the integrity of carbon markets.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing 1-2 project proposals, each requiring deep analysis against the six quality criteria and drafting a structured report. You would also participate in check-ins with your supervising senior scientist to discuss findings and ensure alignment with QA/QC standards. The rest of your time might be spent researching technologies or standards to stay current, all while working remotely from your location.

Who Carbon Direct is looking for

• PhD or Master's in environmental science, engineering, chemistry, or a related field with a focus on carbon removal or reduction technologies.
• Experience evaluating carbon projects using established quality frameworks (e.g., CDR, VCS, Gold Standard) or similar scientific review processes.
• Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific information into clear, template-based reports.
• Comfortable working independently in a remote setting while adhering to strict quality control and supervision requirements.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience with carbon dioxide removal technologies (e.g., direct air capture, biochar, enhanced weathering) and reduction projects (e.g., renewable energy, methane capture) in your resume and cover letter.
• Demonstrate familiarity with quality assessment frameworks by referencing specific criteria you've used (e.g., additionality, permanence, leakage) and how you applied them.
• Provide a writing sample that follows a structured template, showcasing your ability to produce concise, evidence-based reports under tight deadlines.
• Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaboratively with a senior scientist, including examples of adhering to QA/QC processes.
• Mention any experience with carbon markets or standards bodies (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard, CDR.fyi) to show you understand the broader context.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your scientific expertise in carbon removal/reduction and how it aligns with Carbon Direct's mission to scale high-quality carbon management.", 'Specific examples of conducting project reviews or quality assessments, including the frameworks and criteria you used.', 'Your ability to produce structured, template-based reports and meet rigorous QA/QC standards under supervision.', 'Your motivation to work remotely for a global company and contribute to decarbonization efforts at scale.']

Research before applying

• Read Carbon Direct's published reports and case studies to understand their scientific approach and quality criteria.
• Familiarize yourself with the six quality criteria they use (likely additionality, permanence, leakage, etc.) by exploring their website or public documents.
• Learn about the different carbon dioxide removal technologies they review (e.g., DAC, BECCS, afforestation) and reduction projects (e.g., cookstoves, methane capture).
• Understand the current state of carbon markets and key standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard) to contextualize your reviews.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you evaluate the additionality and permanence of a direct air capture project?
• Describe a time you had to assess a project against multiple quality criteria. What was your process?
• How do you ensure consistency and accuracy when writing reports under a senior scientist's oversight?
• What are the key differences between carbon removal and reduction technologies, and how do they affect project review?
• How would you handle a situation where a project proposal lacks sufficient data to meet one of the six quality criteria?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention carbon removal/reduction or Carbon Direct's specific mission.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of past project reviews or quality assessments.
• Overlooking the remote and supervised nature of the role, and not addressing how you manage independent work while adhering to QA/QC.