Research Scientist – Marine Biogeochemistry

Ephemeral’s mission is to restore our planet’s climate and ocean. We do this by harnessing the ocean’s natural ability to absorb and store carbon. By spreading alkaline minerals in shallow ocean regions, we can remove gigatons of CO₂ while simultaneously providing shoreline protection to coastal communities impacted by climate change.

About the position

We are seeking a Marine Biogeochemist to help develop our Coastal Enhanced Weathering/Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) methods, models, and projects for marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR).

Working closely with ocean modelers, you’ll develop our site selection and Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) strategies. Through the execution of lab experiments, and the design and leadership of field trials, you’ll help validate our MRV methods and models, and perform cutting-edge research on weathering rates and ecological impacts for Coastal Enhanced Weathering deployments.

As a Marine Biogeochemist, you will operate with a high degree of independence, taking the lead on projects and sharing your findings with the larger team. Working closely with other scientists, engineers, and project developers, and along with our MRV partners and academic collaborators, you’ll be part of a team turning the promise of OAE as a scalable, low-cost, and permanent method of carbon removal into a reality.

What you’ll do

• Develop cost-effective and scalable MRV methodologies for near-shore Coastal Enhanced Weathering deployments in sands and muds
• Design and lead field trials to validate models and MRV methodologies, and research weathering rates and ecological impacts
• Help establish project siting criteria including developing methods to predict site-specific weathering rates and characterize the biogeochemical suitability of perspective sites
• Design and execute laboratory experiments on prospective alkalinity feedstocks to characterize their dissolution properties and inform models
• Analyze the physical and geochemical characteristics of prospective feedstocks and develop controls to ensure ecological safety limits are adhered to
• Establish scientific collaborations to further our understanding of the efficacy and safety of OAE and develop scientific credibility and trust in our methods
• Engage with communities, interest groups, and government officials to educate and garner support for Coastal Enhanced Weathering as a CDR method

You should have

• PhD in Biogeochemistry, Marine Science, Oceanography, or a related field with 2+ years additional research or postdoc experience
• Experience conducting benthic fieldwork in marine and coastal environments
• Experienced in porewater and sediment analytical techniques including TA, DIC, ICP-MS/OES, and XRF/XRD
• Experienced with sediment sampling techniques such as sediment cores & grabs, benthic flux chambers, and rhizon samplers
• Experience designing and executing microcosm studies
• Understanding of sediment transport and geomorphology of coastal systems
• Deep understanding of seawater chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• A working understanding of the effects of nutrients, pollutants, and ocean acidification on marine organisms
• A passion for taking OAE from concept to reality and restoring our climate and ocean

What we offer

• Generous equity as an early employee
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan
• 10 holidays annually + flexible PTO
• The adventure of taking OAE from concept to reality

This is an on-site position (not hybrid) in our Santa Clara, CA headquarters. The expected salary for this position is $100,000 – $150,000 USD depending on experience. Will sponsor visas for candidates with existing work authorization.