Research Scientist

CURA; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A cleantech startup in Calgary, Canada, is recruiting a Research Scientist to lead the development of redox electrolytes for innovative decarbonization technology. The position requires a PhD and hands-on experience in electrochemical R&D. Responsibilities include optimizing redox mediators and running experiments. This role offers a competitive salary, equity, and unlimited vacation in a mission-driven culture aimed at tackling climate challenges.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Unlimited vacation

Equity opportunities

Flexible work culture

Impact on climate solutions

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in electrochemical R&D, including CV, EIS, and flow cell testing.
• Experience with synthesis of organic redox mediators, including quinones, dyes, or similar small-molecule systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D campaigns to optimize redox mediators.
• Develop and test new redox-active molecules.
• Run electrochemical experiments such as cyclic voltammetry and EIS.

Skills

Electrochemical R&D

Data analysis

Hands-on electrochemistry

Scientific communication

Problem-solving

Education

PhD or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related

Tools

NMR

FTIR

GC/MS

HPLC

COMSOL

Job description

About CURA

CURA is a Canadian cleantech startup pioneering electrochemical cement decarbonization. Our mission is to eliminate process emissions at the source by electrifying and reinventing how cement is made. We’re developing a breakthrough acid/base electrolyzer to split limestone into lime and pure CO₂—unlocking a low‑carbon future for one of the world’s most emissions‑intensive industries.

We are building a team of inventors, builders, and systems thinkers who thrive at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials, and industrial scale‑up.

The Role

We’re seeking a Research Scientist to lead the development and optimization of redox electrolytes. This role focuses on the fundamental electrochemistry that drives CURA’s process: voltage efficiency, mediator stability, pH separation, and long‑duration cycling.

You will own the R&D pipeline for mediator discovery, synthesis, performance screening, and scale‑up. Working closely with the Electrolyzer Engineer and CTO, you will help design the chemistry that makes the electrolyzer run faster, cheaper, and more efficiently.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the core chemistry of a first‑of‑its‑kind industrial technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D campaigns to optimize redox mediators, including stability, solubility, redox potential, crossover behavior, and current density limits
• Develop and test new redox-active molecules, with a focus on quinones, organic dyes, and other simple organic redox couples
• Run electrochemical experiments such as cyclic voltammetry, EIS, galvanostatic cycling, and pH‑splitting evaluations
• Improve system voltage and energy efficiency through electrolyte engineering, kinetics tuning, and membrane/interface interactions
• Design and maintain experimental setups, including flow cells, benchtop electrolyzers, and long‑duration test rigs
• Collaborate with the Electrolyzer Engineer on cell architecture and stack designs that optimize electrolyte performance
• Evaluate degradation pathways and propose chemical or engineering solutions to improve mediator lifetime
• Synthesize and characterize organic redox molecules, including purification and analytical validation (NMR, GC/MS, HPLC, UV–Vis)
• Develop models to correlate concentration, mass transport, and kinetics to cell voltage and efficiency
• Generate technical documentation, including experimental plans, test reports, and recommendations for scale‑up

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• Strong hands‑on experience in electrochemical R&D, including CV, EIS, and flow cell testing. Experience with flow batteries, redox mediators, or electrochemical separations
• Experience with synthesis of organic redox mediators, including quinones, dyes, or similar small‑molecule systems
• Deep understanding of redox chemistry, electron transfer kinetics, and electrolyte design. Familiarity with electrolyzer, fuel cell, or flow‑cell architectures. Experience with membrane interactions, ion‑exchange systems, or pH gradients
• COMSOL or multiphysics modeling experience
• Ability to design and execute complex experimental programs with minimal oversight
• Experience characterizing molecules using analytical chemistry tools (NMR, FTIR, mass spec, UV–Vis, etc.)
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• A builder mindset—comfortable iterating rapidly across chemistry, hardware, and process flows
• Passion for tackling climate‑scale challenges through electrochemistry

What We Offer

• The opportunity to invent and own the core chemistry behind CURA’s breakthrough decarbonization technology
• A collaborative team working across electrochemistry, process engineering, and industrial design
• Competitive salary + meaningful early‑stage equity
• Unlimited vacation and a flexible, mission‑driven culture
• A chance to make a measurable impact on global climate solutions

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.