Scientific Advisor

Contract type
Full-time

Department
Science Team

Location
Helsinki or remote with a preference for Helsinki (with hybrid working)

Puro.earth is the world’s first crediting platform for carbon removal. We help companies globally in their science-based journey to net-zero carbon footprint and accelerate the carbon removal economy.

If you’re committed to tackling the climate crisis, join our ever-growing team to mobilise the carbon net-negative economy.

Concise description of the work in reality

The most important part of the work is creating and managing the Puro Standard methodologies for carbon removal. This work involves:

• Writing and editing the methodologies to create practically implementable pathways to durable carbon removal.
• Engaging with inter-disciplinary stakeholders (both scientists and project developers) to develop novel methods of reliably quantifying carbon removal.
• Understanding disparate concepts from many scientific disciplines
• Managing a library of scientific publications
• Identifying and communicating what we know and don’t know about a carbon removal methodology.
• The output of the work is primarily embedded within the methodology documents. Although no laboratory work or field measurements will be performed in-house, a general understanding of these domains is required as the work entails e.g. analysing lab reports and assessing the scientific validity of experimental measurement approaches.

Besides creating methodologies, this work entails various related tasks that help in their operationalization, such as: 

• Creating and managing various “meta documents” (e.g. questionnaires, templates, assessment reports) allowing us to assess the viability of external projects attempting to employ a carbon removal technique.
• Advising external projects as well as Puro.earth staff about the scientific details of the methodologies.
• Participating in / presenting at scientific working groups and conferences.
• As the field of engineered carbon removals is constantly evolving, the suitable candidate must be able to constantly develop their knowledge, and practically apply it to a shifting commercial landscape.

Skill-set description

The role requires a deep understanding of natural sciences (chemistry, physics and/or biology). Ideally, the candidate will have extensive experience in the marine/ocean biosphere, practised in both laboratory and field settings. Understanding the principles and design of scientific experiments and associated data collection is required. 

A theoretical and practical understanding is essential for this role as much of the work relates to analysing results that are emerging and evolving from experimentation and ongoing research. Clear and simple communication of these concepts and ideas will be an integral part of the role. 

The ideal candidate will not only be able to visualise and communicate this scientific understanding but also participate in and lead inter-disciplinary working groups. This work will then be incorporated into Puro.earth carbon removal methodologies. Therefore a confident grasp of scientific writing and managing large technical documents is also paramount. 

With appropriate experience, the role should be an enjoyable and interesting outlet that offers the ability to progress and communicate scientific endeavours to support carbon removal to both a technical and broad audience. 

The role will allow the suitable candidate to interact with world-leading science, scientific specialists and cutting-edge projects. 

Key Responsibilities

• Communicating scientific concepts in simple terms to a broad audience. 
• Analysing, visualising and communicating behaviour of equations.
• Managing a library of scientific publications and taking concise notes from complex dialogue. 
• Participating and presenting in inter-disciplinary working groups. 
• Managing large technical documents as they evolve.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Natural Sciences, or related discipline.
• Scientific work experience which exemplifies in-field application of theoretical knowledge.
• Fluent English communication skills – written and verbal.
• Sense of humour appreciated. 

Appreciated 

• Skills in Mathematica or similar, Latex, advanced note taking, mind mapping. 
• Able to spend periods of time in Helsinki when required and otherwise be in a reasonable time zone for EU working hours. 

Apply
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Leonard Smith at leonard@puro.earth.