Lead Scientist Polymer Chemistry (80-100%)

Climeworks removes CO₂ from the air to fight global warming and protect future generations to come.

We develop, build and operate direct air capture (DAC) machines which capture CO₂ directly from the air. The captured carbon dioxide is removed from the air by safely storing it underground, permanently.

Founded in 2009 by engineers, Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher, Climeworks was built with a mission to inspire 1 billion people to remove CO₂ from the air, and is now spearheading the DAC industry globally. It has the world’s largest DAC facility and storage installation in operation and a team of over 450 Climeworkers determined to contribute to a net-zero future.

A true climate pioneer, Climeworks is featured as a TIME100 Influential Company 2022 and Global Cleantech 100 Company 2022, driving a revolutionary technology engineered to solve the most pressing issue of our time.

We foster a dynamic environment and are building a global purpose driven team. We are looking for disruptive thinkers, passionate achievers and inspiring leaders that are ready to take on the world’s greatest challenge.

Will you join us?

Your mission

• Your mission at Climeworks is to drive innovation in polymer development, securing our competitive edge in solid sorbents for Direct Air Capture (DAC).
• Your work encompasses refining synthetic protocols and establishing new methodologies to enhance sorbent efficiency. Our materials are tested and characterized in-house.
• You perform in-house chemical and physicochemical characterization to ensure the highest material performance standards.
• You take on the responsibility of training and leading more junior colleagues while being part of our multidisciplinary team of polymer chemists and synthetic chemists.
• You instill efficient team and department collaboration, assuring continuous learning and development.
• You manage collaborations with internal and external partners to complement Climeworks in-house R&D activities.
• You are on top of the newest findings and publications in your field.
• You ensure the correct, accurate, and normed maintenance of laboratory infrastructure and implement a safety-first culture in laboratories and on-site and you take the responsibility in accurately documenting your experimental work.
• You maintain confidentiality of new concepts and designs, including in discussion with suppliers by arranging NDAs, etc. as well as ensuring that the patent responsible is informed regarding new concepts & designs so that new designs can be patented.
• You respect Climeworks safety rules and communicate to the department head recognized risks and you participate in safety exercises and courses.

Your story

• You have an advanced degree in chemistry, specifically polymer chemistry or material science.
• You have at least 7 years of hands-on experience in material development and preparation, preferably high-porosity materials used for gas separation or water purification.
• You are motivated to do hands-on laboratory work, train and lead more junior colleagues.
• You have advanced knowledge in polymer synthesis, preferably experience in particle formation, such as suspension, emulsion, dispersion polymerizations and expertise in preparation and analysis of porous materials.
• You gathered experience with porous particle/powder characterization, such as mercury porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption or dynamic vapor sorption.
• You are a results-oriented, independent developer.
• You are a strong communicator who can explain both the big picture as well as technical details to a broad audience and can work in cross-functional teams.
• You are business fluent in English and open to travel occasionally (less than 10%).

What we offer: A horizontal organization, a great team, an improvement-oriented approach, and a scale-up venture with an innovative technology. Sounds like you? We are looking forward meeting you! Apply now by filling in the online application form and uploading your complete dossier to our careers portal: https://www.climeworks.com/careers.

Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are.
As part of our ongoing journey towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment - we encourage everyone to apply! All qualified applicants are considered for positions, so bring along your knowledge, personal experiences, and fresh perspectives, and together we can solve one of humankind’s greatest challenges. We look forward to getting to know you!

We do not accept candidates from agencies for our positions.