Senior Scientist - Geochemical Modeler

Vesta is a USA-based climate startup with a mission to help meet the challenge of the climate crisis by removing billions of tons of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide through Coastal Carbon Capture (CCC). CCC is a nature-based negative emission approach that deploys carbon-removing sand made from the natural mineral olivine in coastal areas. This leads to significant CO₂ sequestration from the atmosphere and has the potential to be the most cost-effective, scalable method of permanent carbon dioxide removal. Vesta is a fast-growing company consisting of scientists, practitioners, and engineers conducting laboratory studies and field trials of CCC at domestic and international locations.  The goal is to determine if CCC can be a safe, effective, and affordable means of permanently sequestering excess atmospheric CO₂ - and if so to scale it up as rapidly as can be done safely.

For more information, please visit https://www.vesta.earth/

Job Description:

 

We are seeking to hire a Geochemical Modeler with a background in aqueous geochemistry, marine geochemistry, geochemical modeling, or a related field. In particular, we are seeking a candidate with strong numerical modeling experience, preferably including reactive-transport modeling of marine porewaters. Experience working on near-shore marine systems is a significant plus. The primary focus of this role will include analysis of geochemical data and the development and application of geochemical modeling, in particular carbonate chemistry and trace metal cycling. The role may also include fieldwork, laboratory studies and analyses, data analysis, research synthesis, management of data, and scientific writing. This is a significant role to help build the analytical framework for a fast-growing climate-tech company as part of a small, focused team.

In order to qualify, prospective candidates must thrive in a data-rich environment, be able to develop and apply geochemical theory and calculations independently, be able to write, modify, and apply mechanistic biogeochemical models, construct publication quality figures, and display mastery of one or more scientific computing languages: MATLAB (preferred), Python, R, Julia, etc.

The individual in this position must thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment and will simultaneously contribute to multiple projects. This is a remote position, but work hours must be compatible with continental USA time zones. This position will include occasional travel to field sites, laboratories, or conferences. We especially encourage members of groups historically underrepresented in the sciences to apply. 

Responsibilities

• Reactive-transport model development, validation, and application
• Analysis of empirical data within a numerical framework
• Application of robust statistical methods to model and empirical data
• Interpretation and synthesis of results for internal and external purposes
• Writing reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and proposals
• Managing relationships with external collaborators and the data they generate

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 and communication.
• Professionalism under all circumstances.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Dedication to fair and equitable treatment of all individuals on the team.

 Required Skills and Experience

• Ph.D. in geochemistry, oceanography, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in model development
• Demonstrated experience in aqueous geochemistry and marine carbonate chemistry
• Extensive experience in MATLAB, Python, Julia, R, etc – up to 75% of this position will include coding and running numerical reaction transport models.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills with both scientists and non-scientists.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and oral.

Beneficial but not required:

• Experience leveraging HPC resources

• Experience with software development, UI
• Experience with Earth System Models and/or Regional Ocean Models
• Field geochemistry/oceanography experience
• Scientific diving experience
• Experience constructing and maintaining scientific equipment and experiments, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, compressed gasses, CAD, 3D printing, etc.
• High precision, high accuracy analytical geochemistry experience (both field- and lab-based)

Vesta offers a competitive compensation package that includes equity; health, vision and dental benefits; a fully remote role; and unlimited PTO. The initial expected salary range for this position is between USD $85k (post-doc, assistant faculty equivalent) to $150k (associate/full professor, corporate director equivalent) depending on demonstrated experience and position fit.

Vesta is an 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.

To be considered for this position, please submit a CV and a cover letter. In the cover letter, please explicitly highlight any relevant prior hands-on experience developing, coding, or using numerical reaction-transport models. Include one scientific figure representative of your best/most compelling work and attach the corresponding manuscript (unpublished works will be held in absolute confidence).