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

About the job

• Sorbent Development: You 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: You 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: You identify, evaluate and prioritize next generation of sorbents available in the market that meet minimal entry criteria.

• Testing & Data Management: You 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: You ensure proper operation and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, implement a safety‑first culture and accurately document all experimental work.

• Confidentiality & IP Management: You protect confidential concepts, arrange NDAs when needed, and ensure patent stakeholders are informed about new ideas and designs.

• Health, Safety & Environment: You follow Climeworks safety rules, communicate potential risks and participate in safety exercises and trainings.

• Advanced Chemistry Background: You hold an advanced degree in organic or inorganic chemistry, and bring a strong scientific background in synthetic chemistry.

• Material Synthesis and Analytics Expertise: You have 5+ years of experience in hands‑on synthetic chemistry and material characterization, spanning at least 2 years outside of academia. Your expertise enables you to evaluate materials critically at an early stage of development by applying advanced data analytics and high-throughput screening.

• Material Evaluation: You bring experience in technology scouting and external innovation by setting up evaluation frameworks (minimal entry criteria).

• Independent & Results‑Driven: You are comfortable leading your own workstreams, take ownership of deliverables and consistently drive projects toward measurable results. You work proactively and with a high level of accountability.

• Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills: You are a strong collaborator within a cross-functional team and can coordinate contracts across technical and legal functions. You communicate clearly and confidently, able to translate complex scientific concepts into understandable messages for both technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Language & Travel: You are proficient in English, both spoken and written, enabling smooth communication in an international environment.

Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together.

What we offer:

• Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.

• Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a 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 – because your contributions matter.

• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.

• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.

• Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.

Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.

Formalities: 

• This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week.

• The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what works for you.

• We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.