Research Associate (Hybrid Decarbonization)

Join us on the journey to get to net zero

At Carbon Direct, we dedicate our scientific, software, and business expertise to empower organizations around the world to take climate action.

Our Mission

Enable organizations to reduce, remove, and utilize their emissions with carbon science

We are a purpose-driven carbon management firm dedicated to helping organizations around the world reach their climate goals. We make carbon science accessible and actionable with our end-to-end platform.

Global citizens with global impact

Whether a scientist, developer, or carbon markets expert, we are united by our mission to take climate action now. We are experts in our fields and we act with confidence. Located across 4 countries and 10+ states in the U.S., we offer both remote-friendly work options and dynamic, in-person experiences with offices located in Seattle, WA and Oakland, CA.

Diverse backgrounds bring diverse perspectives

We recognize that teams with diverse backgrounds and different experiences are powerful. Bringing together a variety of perspectives only enhances how we can effectively address the climate crisis. Together, we are creating an environment where everyone is celebrated and anyone can succeed.

Overview 

We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Hybrid Decarbonization team to support research, modeling, analysis, project execution, and writing tasks across complex carbon management advisory engagements. In this role, you will focus on biomass-based engineered pathways for carbon reduction and removal, including bioenergy with carbon storage, biochar, and biofuel production, as well as verifying sustainable biomass growth for these pathways.

Our work environment is collaborative and fast-paced and may require travel. As a fluid and rapidly growing organization, we value flexibility, curiosity, and the ability to work effectively both in teams and independently. A successful candidate will be a self-starter who stays informed about regulatory, policy, and technological developments in the climate and sustainability space.  They are also an exceptionally organized and detail-oriented individual able to manage and oversee projects, ensuring teams stay on track, deadlines are met, and all tasks are executed efficiently. 

You will play a critical role in ensuring the scientific rigor and integrity of our advisory services, working closely with clients to evaluate solutions that effectively reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsibilities 

• Undertake research, modeling, expert interviews, and/or data analyses, both independently and in partnership with colleagues.
• Support project design, execution of research, and preparation of deliverables in collaboration with other team members.
• Participate in problem-solving with project teams.
• Liaise and communicate with internal team members across our company to achieve client and team goals.
• Develop and communicate recommendations via clear and compelling deliverables, including reports, briefs, and visual presentations of synthesized analytical insights.
• Help ensure quality control of outgoing work products and correspondence.
• Meet deadlines through good time management, foresight about future tasks, and regular communication of work plans with project managers.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications 

• Solid foundation in physical or applied sciences (e.g. engineering, chemistry, physics) and associated applied quantitative or mathematical skills. 
• Familiarity with carbon management solutions, including decarbonization and carbon removal technologies. 
• Experience with one or more of the following subjects:
• Life cycle assessments and/or Techno-economic assessments
• Carbon markets (voluntary or compliance) and relevant standards and protocols
• Emissions mitigation strategies, including efficiency, electrification, carbon capture and sequestration, and fuel switching
• Engineered and hybrid carbon removal solutions (e.g., direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, etc.)
• Commercial electricity generation background is a plus.
• Ability to think critically and synthesize findings from scientific and technical reports. 
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with limited supervision when necessary, proactively engaging with project managers as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effective communication across internal teams, and external stakeholders, in both verbal and written form.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
• High level of reliability and ability to meet deadlines.
• We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Salary Range

$88,000 - $132,000 a year

Benefits

While we love our work, our lives aren’t defined by it. At Carbon Direct, we offer a robust benefits package that considers the whole person, their partners, and their families – and we’re always looking to improve.

Our U.S. benefits* include:

*Please note that the benefits described apply to U.S.-based employees only. For our international employees, our benefits package varies by each country and its statutory requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Carbon Direct is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. We adhere rigorously to our equal employment opportunity policies in connection with all employment decisions, including hiring, compensation and promotion.