Research Scientist

Zero Carbon Systems, Inc.; Brighton (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Zero Carbon Systems in Brighton, Colorado is seeking a Research Scientist to develop and deploy materials for CO2 capture. The role focuses on analytical chemistry, safe lab practices, and data-driven evaluation of formulations and sorbents.

The position is full-time and onsite, reporting to the R&D Manager. Requires 5–10 years lab experience, strong data skills, and proficiency with FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA, DSC and related equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform hypothesis-driven research and document results.
• Strong data, analytical and reporting skills.
• Experience with FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA, DSC and related lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Measure formulation properties such as pH, viscosity, and density.
• Evaluate reproducibility of formulations and measure performance.
• Support materials analysis for process monitoring and model development.
• Develop and execute new testing protocols.
• Troubleshoot experiments and instruments.
• Collect data for materials databases and models.
• Run samples on analytical equipment and document results.
• Prepare materials for testing on CO2 sorption equipment.
• Summarize data and report within required turnaround times.
• Maintain clean, safe lab environment and meticulous notebooks.

Skills

Lab experience 5+ years

Hypothesis-driven research

Problem solving

Data analysis with Excel/Python

Technical writing

Independent & team work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

FT-IR

UV-Vis

TGA

DSC

Viscometers

pH meters

Job description

About Zero Carbon Systems

Zero Carbon Systems (ZCS) is a clean energy and direct air capture company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a zero carbon future. We are developing and deploying breakthrough technologies designed to reduce atmospheric CO2 at scale, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Backed by mission aligned investors and led by a team of passionate innovators, ZCS sits at the intersection of cutting edge science and real world impact. We are building a diverse, collaborative, and driven team of individuals who share our commitment to excellence, creativity, and the belief that the work we do today will shape the world of tomorrow.

If you are energized by meaningful work and want to be part of a company where your contributions directly advance the clean energy transition, we would love to hear from you.

Position Overview

Zero Carbon Systems seeks a Research Scientist to support research to develop, analyze, and deploy materials in various processes for use in CO2 capture research and development as part of the Materials Team. The ideal candidate should understand and apply basic analytical chemistry principles, follow safe laboratory practices, and maintain a safe working environment. This full-time onsite position, based in Brighton, Colorado, reports to the R&D Manager in the Materials Team.

Responsibilities

• Measure organic formulation properties like pH, viscosity, and density
• Evaluate reproducibility of formulations in terms of recipe repeatability, chemical properties, and carbon capture performance
• Support engineering teams with analysis of deployed materials for process monitoring, sorbent performance, and model development
• Assist development and execution of new testing protocols developed by team leads
• Troubleshoot various experiments, instruments, and specific analytical equipment
• Collect data for materials characterization databases and process model development
• Run samples and compile data from analytical instruments such as FT-IR, UV-vis, TGA, DSC, viscometers, and pH meters
• Prepare materials in various formats for chemical testing and deployment on various custom built CO2 sorption equipment
• Report data compilations of various types within process relevant turnaround times
• Maintain a clean and safe lab environment
• Maintain a meticulous lab notebook and digital records of all measurements and experiments

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Engineering or Related Field
• 5-10 years experience in a lab environment
• Hypothesis-driven research, planning, and execution
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to work across multiple projects and activities at once
• Strong technical laboratory skills
• Data workup skills using Excel templates or existing Python scripts
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Technical writing and data presentation to report results to senior leadership
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Prior experience working with compressed gases, gas cylinders, and gas regulators
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements for laboratory equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with FT-IR, UV-vis, TGA, DSC, viscometers, pH meters, and other analytical equipment
• Chemical and sample inventory management
• Prior experience with various analytical hardware, piping, tubing, valves, and custom-built instrumentation
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment as necessary
• Ability to travel offsite during working hours to perform analysis at local service providers

$85,000 - $105,000 a year

Zero Carbon Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your Right to Work
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.