Senior Scientist – Geochemist (Communication, Policy, and Engagement)

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 Geochemist (Communication, Policy, and Engagement) with a background in aqueous geochemistry, marine geochemistry, oceanography, or a related field. In particular, we are seeking a candidate with strong analytical and communication skills. Experience working on near-shore marine systems and porewater data is a significant plus. The primary focus of this role will include the analysis and translation of geochemical data for scientific audiences, regulators, funders, and the general public. The role may also include fieldwork, laboratory work, research synthesis, management of data, and scientific writing. This is a significant role in communicating research on behalf of a fast-growing climate-tech company as part of a small, focused team.

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

• Engagement with scientific stakeholders, policymakers, funders, regulators, and the general public regarding education, permitting, and scientific advancements in CCC.
• Geochemical data analysis.
• Interpretation and synthesis of results for internal and external purposes.
• Prolific writing, communication, and outreach, including written reports, presentations, videos, social media, publications, and proposals.
• Managing relationships with external collaborators and the data they generate.
• Communicating scientific concepts and results to a wide range of audiences.

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 extensive and prolific scientific writing experience.
• Demonstrated track record communicating complicated scientific concepts to non-technical audiences such as community members, regulators, policy-makers and funders or investors.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis and high-quality figure preparation.
• Demonstrated experience in aqueous geochemistry and marine carbonate chemistry.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and oral.

Beneficial but not required:

• Experience managing social media, video editing, and advanced graphic arts skills.
• Journalism experience with lay or scientific audiences.
• Experience with software and programming languages.
• Field and laboratory geochemistry/oceanography experience.
• Demonstrated track record of external funding from philanthropic and public sources.

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 geochemistry, communications, policy, outreach, and scientific writing experience. Include one scientific figure or slide representative of your best/most compelling work and attach the corresponding presentation, article, or peer-reviewed manuscript (unpublished works will be held in absolute confidence).