Junior Scientist - R&D

About the role

pHathom Technologies is seeking a motivated Junior Scientist to join our R&D team and support the technical team’s efforts in optimization and scale-up of our carbon capture and storage technologies. The Scientist will work alongside the technical team in designing, building, performing, and analyzing experiments ranging from lab bench scale through to commercial pilots. Strong candidates should possess and maintain a broad knowledge of analytical chemistry and test methods, and have the ability to develop and maintain a deep knowledge of carbonate chemistry in our processes.

The R&D work being performed by our team represents an extremely important step in our path to commercialization and is highly visible to all levels of the organization. Successful candidates have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in our organization and quickly become a leader in the industry.

What you'll do

• Actively participate in the research and development of new processes, catalysts, and feedstocks for pHathom’s processes:
• • Researching and identifying equipment, test methods, and procedures for use in the lab.
  • Collaborating with technical leaders on the design of experiments.
  • Building and improving test equipment and apparatuses.
  • Independently leading lab testing, analysis, and reporting results to senior leadership.
• Remaining at the forefront of our field, proactively identifying new tools, techniques, and data that could improve our testing, or optimize our processes and field equipment, and staying on top of new developments including academic publications and conference proceedings.
• Acting as a point of contact for external labs or other test facilities as needed.

• Work as a team player, regularly communicating progress and challenges, completing project milestones, preparing technical reports, and supporting other company functions on an as-needed basis (e.g. external presentations, technology demonstrations, budgets).

Qualifications

Essential

• Recent graduate from accredited BSc or MSc program. Chemistry, (e.g. analytical chemistry, geochemistry, etc.)  is preferred, but if you believe you’re an exceptional candidate and have other relevant education (biology, chemical oceanography, certain engineering disciplines), please apply.
• Strong interest in pHathom’s mission and understanding of the importance of the climate crisis. You want to become a leader in the emerging carbon removal industry.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience, including in industry, co-op placements, or research in an academic lab.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analytical chemistry labwork including theory, common equipment, and common methods. Initially 50% of time in this role will be spent hands-on performing experiments, but this will evolve with company-level and R&D priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to ideate, build, and execute experimental designs.
• Diligent in documentation of lab work, including keeping an organized lab notebook, easy-to-follow reporting of results and analysis, and creation or improvement of pHathom’s lab SOPs.
• Outstanding creativity, analytical skills,and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and highly comfortable advocating for your ideas with all levels of leadership and external partners.
• Proficiency in Google Workplace suite (Sheets, Slides, Docs, etc.) 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced start-up environment with changing priorities.
• Valid Class 5 driver license, and willingness to travel to partner sites in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as needed (expected < 10%)

Nice-To-Have

• Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used for data analysis, e.g. Python or R. 
• Knowledge of carbonate chemistry or carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry is desirable.
• Knowledge of mass transfer processes is desirable.
• Experience with geochemical modeling (e.g. PHREEQC, Geochemist Workbench, or CO2SYS software packages) is a bonus.