Senior Scientist, Geochemistry

Location: Long Island, NY

State Date: September 1, 2022 or sooner.

Vesta is a USA-based company and research organization with a mission to remove billions of tons of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide through Coastal Enhanced Weathering(CEW) of olivine. Enhanced weathering is a nature-based negative emission approach that accelerates the weathering rate of naturally occurring silicate minerals. When ground to the size of beach sand, olivine weathers thousands of times faster than would naturally occur in ultramafic rocks, leading to significant CO2 sequestration from the atmosphere on human timescales. Vesta currently employs 13 full-time 8 Ph.D. level researchers in geochemistry, oceanography, and ecology. We are conducting laboratory, mesocosm, and pilot experiments at locations across the USA and internationally to determine if CEW can be a safe, effective, and affordable means of permanently sequestering excess atmospheric CO2. 

Job Description

We are seeking to hire a Senior Scientist with a background in aqueous geochemistry, marine geochemistry, biogeochemistry or a related field, as well as extensive experience in field and laboratory experiments, to lead the world’s first field trial of Coastal Enhanced Weathering on Long Island, NY, USA.

Various aspects of the role will involve project development and execution including, but not limited to, fieldwork, laboratory studies, research synthesis, data interpretation, scientific writing, science communication, stakeholder engagement (e.g. community members, NGOs, governmental officials, regulators, media), partnership relations (e.g. academic collaborators), project management, and team management. This individual must thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment while simultaneously contributing to multiple projects.

This is a full-time position and will be located in Southampton, Long Island, NY for a minimum of 2 years, with the option to relocate following that time, if interested. We are seeking a Ph.D.-level candidate but will also consider post-master’s candidates with an exceptional track record and directly relevant research experience. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Partners/Spouses

For competitive candidates with spouses or partners, we are willing to explore potential employment options for them at Vesta. A scientific background is not required.

The responsibilities of this position include:

• Conducting hands-on, field-based research in coastal oceanography with an emphasis on seawater and porewater geochemistry including carbon, nutrient, and trace metal cycling.
• Assisting in the day-to-day management of fieldwork operations, including overseeing a small team of field assistants, academic collaborations, and industry partnerships.
• Analyzing geochemical, biogeochemical, and physical data and helping to develop predictive models for olivine weathering and carbon sequestration.
• Providing thoughtful and evidence-based insight to the project team about how to advance our mission in an ethically and scientifically robust manner.
• Contributing to research and funding proposal writing.
• Reporting progress and results to other researchers, the project team, and industry partners.
• Presenting at conferences and workshops relevant to the project.
• Assisting with the coordination of research activities and actively contributing to research outputs in order to meet project milestones.
  
  

The ideal candidate can easily fulfill the responsibilities of this position described above and has the following qualities and experience:

Personal

• A deep sense of dedication to combating the climate crisis.
• Ability and passion to learn quickly and solve challenges independently and creatively.
• A commitment to harmonious and productive collaboration.
• Professionalism under all circumstances.
• Meticulous attention to detail in planning and procedure.
• Enthusiasm for the Project Vesta mission and ethos.
• Dedication to fair and equitable treatment of all individuals on the team.
• Excitement and enthusiasm to assist in meeting the challenges of running a first-of-a-kind field pilot experiment, including developing relevant protocols and methods as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Oceanography, Biogeochemistry, Geochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting fieldwork, including in-water and boat-based activities.
• Proficiency working with and organizing datasets.
• Strong scientific writing skills in English. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: field sampling, (bio)geochemistry, analytical geochemistry.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with marine pore water and/or sediment analysis
• Experience performing high-precision measurements of carbonate geochemistry
• Experience in small boat handling
• SCUBA certification
• Experience operating and maintaining in-situ sensors
• Contribution to at least one or more peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to travel for brief periods of time (1-2 weeks) a few times (2-3) per year.

Employment Terms

• Competitive salary and benefits

For more information or to apply, please email jobs@vesta.earth. Applications should consist of a single document or PDF file containing a (1) cover letter (2) CV/resume including a description of prior research experience and major research outputs, presentations, and scientific publications. Names and contact information of three references may be included or will be requested during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and demand equal opportunity employment. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills- because reversing climate change is going to require a diverse and unprecedented workforce. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.