Research Scientist – Polymer Synthesis

Interested in working with a groundbreaking company that’s focused on decarbonizing the atmosphere? CarbonCapture Inc. develops and deploys direct air capture (DAC) machines that can be connected in large arrays to remove massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. With a patented modular open systems architecture, our DAC platform allows for plug-and-play upgrades, mass production, unlimited scalability, and rapid technology iterations.

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Research Scientist to join our material team, focusing on polymer synthesis and the development of sorbent materials for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies. This role involves designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel polymeric materials to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of DAC systems aimed at capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. 

Responsibilities

Polymer Synthesis: 

o Design and synthesize new polymeric materials with tailored properties for DAC applications. 

o Develop and optimize synthetic routes and processes for high-performance sorbents. 

o Scale up polymer synthesis from laboratory to pilot-scale production. 

Sorbent Development: 

o Develop sorbent materials with high capacity and selectivity for CO2 capture. 

o Characterize the physicochemical properties of sorbents, including surface area, porosity, and chemical stability. 

o Conduct performance testing and evaluation of sorbents in simulated DAC environments. 

Research and Innovation: 

o Stay current with advancements in polymer chemistry and DAC technologies. 

o Identify and implement new research methodologies and technologies to improve sorbent materials. 

o Stay updated on the latest literature and review recent articles on sorbent materials for Direct Air Capture. 

Collaboration and Communication: 

o Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, chemists, and technologists, to integrate sorbents into DAC systems. 

o Provide technical expertise and support for ongoing projects 

o Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal and external audiences. 

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on polymer synthesis or sorbent development. 
• 4+ years of experience in sorbent development for CO2 capture with the focus on polymer sorbents 
• Demonstrated experience in polymer synthesis, characterization, and application. 
• Experience with sorbent materials for gas separation or CO2 capture is highly desirable. 
• Proven track record of successful research projects and publications in relevant fields.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, different polymerization techniques, and materials characterization techniques (e.g., BET, SEM, TGA, FTIR, DRIFT, NMR). 

Desired Background

• Experience with laboratory-scale synthesis and analytical techniques. 
• Experience on shaping sorbents to structure adsorbent.
• Have a safety-mindset to keep the lab environment safe. 
• Detail oriented and good documenting/reporting skill set.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

CarbonCapture is an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.