Senior R&D Chemist - Sorbent Innovation Lead (80-100%)

• Sorbent Development: Develop future sorbent technologies based on key performance indicators (capacity, kinetics, lifetime, cost and emissions), while staying up to date with emerging sorbent technologies through literature, patents and industry networks.
• Material Screening & Characterization: Apply advanced analytical tools for rapid technical feasibility assessments and develop structured evaluation frameworks to identify promising sorbent materials in an early stage of development.
• Next-Generation Sorbent Identification: Identify, evaluate and prioritize next generation of sorbents available in the market that meet minimal entry criteria.
• Testing & Data Management: Run testing campaigns to assess sorbent potential for Climeworks' technology and support the build-up and maintenance of a sorbent database to identify promising candidates.
• Lab Operation & Safety: Ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, implement a safety-first culture and accurately document all experimental work.
• Confidentiality & IP Management: Protect confidential concepts, arrange NDAs when needed, and ensure patent stakeholders are informed about new ideas and designs.

This role advances Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology through sorbent innovation, accelerating the development of high-quality carbon removal solutions that help companies achieve net-zero goals and contribute to the global transition to net zero.

• Advanced Chemistry Background: Hold an advanced degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, and bring a strong scientific background for material development.
• Material Synthesis and Analytics Expertise: Have 5+ years of experience in hands-on synthetic chemistry and material characterization, ideally with an understanding of porous materials. Expertise enables evaluation of materials critically at an early stage of development by applying advanced data analytics and high-throughput screening.
• Material Evaluation: Bring experience in technology scouting and external innovation by setting up evaluation frameworks (minimal entry criteria).
• Independent & Results-Driven: Comfortable leading own workstreams, take ownership of deliverables and consistently drive projects toward measurable results. Work proactively and with a high level of accountability.
• Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills: Strong collaborator within a cross-functional team and can coordinate contracts across technical and legal functions. Communicate clearly and confidently, able to translate complex scientific concepts into understandable messages for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Language & Travel: Proficient in English, both spoken and written, enabling smooth communication in an international environment.

• Time Off: 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
• Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package.
• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.
• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in professional growth.
• Referral Rewards: Bonuses for successful referrals.
• Salary: Salary ranges are assigned based on seniority and location-specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on skills, experience, and value brought to the team.

Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a holistic approach to carbon removal solutions. The company runs the world's first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high-quality carbon removal backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.