Research Scientist

About Zero Carbon Systems

Zero Carbon Systems (ZCS) is dedicated to advancing clean energy and direct air capture technologies that aim to significantly lower atmospheric CO2 levels, tackling one of the most critical environmental challenges. Supported by investors aligned with this mission, ZCS combines forefront scientific innovation with practical impact, fostering a diverse and collaborative team committed to excellence and creativity in shaping a sustainable future.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Research Scientist to join our Materials Team in Brighton, Colorado. This role involves developing, testing, and implementing materials for CO2 capture technology research. Candidates should possess strong fundamentals in analytical chemistry, adhere to safe laboratory practices, and maintain a safe work environment while reporting to the R&D Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterize properties of organic formulations such as pH, viscosity, and density.
• Assess formulation reproducibility regarding recipe consistency, chemical properties, and carbon capture efficacy.
• Support engineering teams by analyzing deployed materials to aid process monitoring, sorbent evaluation, and model refinement.
• Contribute to development and implementation of novel testing procedures devised by team leads.
• Troubleshoot experiments, instruments, and analytical equipment issues.
• Gather data for material characterization databases and process modeling.
• Conduct analyses using instruments including FT-IR, UV-vis, TGA, DSC, viscometers, and pH meters.
• Prepare materials in various formats for chemical testing and integration with custom CO2 sorption equipment.
• Deliver timely reports compiling various data sets relevant to processes.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety within the laboratory environment.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and digital archives documenting all experimental results and measurements.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or comparable discipline.
• Between 5 and 10 years of laboratory experience.
• Capability to conduct hypothesis-driven research with thorough planning and execution.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in technical laboratory procedures.
• Data processing abilities utilizing Excel or Python scripting tools.
• Strong organizational skills and comprehensive documentation abilities.
• Competence in technical writing and communicating results to senior leadership.
• Capacity to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a dynamic setting.
• Previous experience handling compressed gases, including cylinders and regulators.
• Understanding of industry standards and regulations related to lab equipment safety and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on familiarity with analytical instruments such as FT-IR, UV-vis, TGA, DSC, viscometers, and pH meters.
• Experience managing chemical and sample inventories.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining various analytical hardware, including piping, tubing, valves, and custom-built devices.
• Physical ability to lift and carry laboratory equipment as needed.
• Willingness and availability to travel offsite during work hours for sample analysis at external service providers.

Additional Information

Zero Carbon Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair employment without discriminating on any protected characteristics. Compliance with federal employment eligibility verification will be required for all hires.

Applicants should be aware that artificial intelligence tools may be used during the hiring process to assist with application evaluation; however, final hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.