Computational Scientist

Rivan Industries Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering synthetic fuel company is seeking a computational scientist to develop process models for its Direct Air Capture technology. The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years in process modelling, a degree in Chemical Engineering, and experience with MATLAB or similar tools. This role offers a salary of £70-80k, significant share options, and extensive relocation support for in-person work in Bermondsey, South-East London.

Benefits

£6,000 relocation support

Significant share options

Qualifications

• 3–7 years experience in process modelling, computational science or chemical/process engineering R&D.
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent, or Python.
• Experience in model validation with lab or pilot data; understanding of solid–gas systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine process models for Rivan’s DAC process.
• Perform first-principles heat and mass transfer calculations.
• Work cross-functionally with teams to validate models against empirical data.
• Build and maintain modular simulation tools for techno-economic assessments.

Skills

Process modelling

Computational science

Chemical/process engineering R&D

MATLAB

Aspen Plus/HYSYS

COMSOL

Python

Heat and mass transfer

Reaction engineering

First-principles modelling

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Chemical Engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

MATLAB

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

ANSYS Fluent

Python

Job description

Offer Description

Rivan Industries (Rivan.com) is a synthetic fuel company designed to decarbonise heavy industry. We aim to make synthetic fuel cheaper than fossil fuels and sustain life on earth by keeping the CO2 locked underground.

We’ve design and manufacture modular synthetic fuel plants consisting of a DAC system, an Alkaline Electrolyser, and a Sabatier Reactor, vertically integrating with off‑grid DC solar and the European gas‑grid. Here’s our entire business plan . We’ve recently deployed the UK’s largest synthetic fuel plant and are planning to 1000x this scale in the next 2 years.

Moving atoms around takes time. Bits are faster. We’re looking for a computational scientist to take the reins by building models and simulations on top of our operational data to direct where we spend our next resources. We need a curious mind that wants to find every integration pinch point, performance ceiling, and fragile operation before it becomes an issue. If you want to be the puppet master that underpins one of the potentially most impactful products of a generation, apply below.

The role:

• Develop and refine process models for Rivan’s lime‑based Direct Air Capture (DAC) process, integrating thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena
• Perform first‑principles heat and mass transfer calculations, dynamic process simulations, and optimisation studies.
• Work cross‑functionally with experimental and design teams to validate models against empirical data, refine process understanding, and inform plant operation and scale‑up.
• Build and maintain modular simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB, Aspen Plus, COMSOL, or custom Python models) to support techno‑economic and performance assessments.

Core skills:

• 3–7 years experience in process modelling, computational science or chemical / process engineering R&D
• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Process Systems Engineering or related field (PhD advantageous)
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent, or Python
• Strong background in heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and first‑principles modelling (PDEs, reaction kinetics, etc.)
• Experience in model validation with lab or pilot data; understanding of solid–gas systems (calcination, hydration, carbonation); and past‑demonstration of system optimisation preferred

Specifics & Benefits:

• £70‑80k salary depending on experience
• Significant share options as part of the early team
• In‑person work at our HQ in Bermondsey, South‑East London
• Extensive relocation support, including £6,000 per year extra to live close to our HQ

Languages: ENGLISH – Level Excellent

Eligibility criteria

• 3–7 years experience in process modelling, computational science or chemical/process engineering R&D
• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Process Systems Engineering or related field (PhD advantageous)
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Aspen Plus/HYSYS, COMSOL, ANSYS Fluent or Python
• Strong background in heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and first‑principles modelling (PDEs, reaction kinetics, etc.)
• Experience in model validation with lab or pilot data; understanding of solid–gas systems (calcination, hydration, carbonation); and past‑demonstration of system optimisation preferred

Selection process

Written application online, a‑synchronous questions, interviews, in‑person task