Research Scientist

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 Include:

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

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.