Lead Research & Development Chemist/Engineer in Ion Transport

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Banyu Carbon aims to radically reduce the cost of carbon capture, hasten the transition to a net zero carbon economy, and slow the effects of global warming. Decarbonizing the global economy is the Apollo Moon Shot of this century. In addition to widespread adoption of renewable energy, every serious plan to keep global temperatures below dangerous limits requires carbon dioxide removal at the scale of billions of tons per year. However, there is a giant gap between this pressing need for carbon removal and existing technology. To meet this challenge, Banyu Carbon is developing a process to extract CO2 from seawater using light-activated chemicals that is projected to require a fraction of the energy inputs compared to competing carbon capture methods.

Banyu Carbon is a fast-paced research and technology development startup located on the campus of a major research university. Gain experience bringing science to market. Put your passion for the planet and for science to work at Banyu Carbon and join us!

Summary: We seek a highly motivated and creative chemical engineer, chemist, materials scientist, or environmental engineer with wet chemistry lab skills and a background in ion-exchange to help optimize our carbon capture process. The individual must be passionate about applying chemical and engineering principles to experimentally determine the optimal process for transferring ions between solutions in the absence of applied electric fields. The candidate should have experience testing and prototyping ion exchange processes. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a small team of scientists and engineers to advance our carbon capture technology from concept to deployment.  

Salary: A minimum starting salary of $125,000 per year is expected, with higher salaries commensurate with skills and experience level.

Position Type: This is an in-person regular full-time position in Seattle, WA.

Desired Start Date: January 17, 2023 or as soon as possible.

Location: Banyu Carbon is located within CoMotion Labs on the beautiful campus of the University of Washington. This setting unites the fast paced and exciting environment of a startup with the thriving intellectual community and advanced instrumentation of a major research university. A light rail station, recreational sports facilities, the Burke-Gilman bike trail, and the Lake Washington Waterfront are all within a half mile of the company’s office and lab space. A transit pass with unlimited rides and membership at the university’s recreational sports facility are included in current company benefits. This is an in-person position located in Seattle, WA. Seattle is a thriving and dynamic city situated between the snowcapped Cascade Mountains and the waters of Puget Sound.

Benefits: Banyu Carbon is proud to offer employees a competitive total compensation package as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the whole lives of our employees and their families. Current benefits include:

  • 401(k) with 6% employer match
  • Stock options
  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 15 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, in addition to paid sick time
  • Additional 13 paid holidays annually, including 11 federal and state holidays and 2 floating holidays to recognize cultural, religious, or personally significant events.
  • Relocation assistance (negotiable)
  • Transit pass that includes unlimited light rail and bus trips
  • Recreational sports facility membership reimbursement

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Utilize expertise, creativity, problem solving, and scientific leadership to design and conduct lab experiments to optimize ion-exchange processes
  • Use theory and modeling approaches to optimize ion exchange and chemical processes
  • Develop and clearly document methods of development and production in the written laboratory book and electronic documents
  • Provide scientific insight and effectively communicate and collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers to advance our carbon capture technology
  • Lead and conduct research projects with a commitment to the highest levels of safety and integrity. This includes understanding and adhering to EH&S standards, policies, and procedures, to promote safe work habits
  • Mentor and manage people for performance and scientific growth
  • Assist with the development of research facilities through contributions to design, purchasing decisions, assembly, testing, and trouble shooting
  • Find, apply, and communicate relevant advances from the scientific literature

Required Qualifications:

  • A PhD degree (or BS/MS degree with 3+ years of experience) in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering or related field
  • Background in ion exchange processes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  • Current authorization to work in the US and ability to relocate to the Seattle, Washington USA area               

Required Skills/Competencies: 

  • Extensive experience with ion exchange processes 
  • Extensive wet chemistry lab skills
  • Familiar with statistical data analysis and design of experiment methodologies 
  • Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude 
  • Creative self-starter that is interested in solving problems without a pre-defined answer
  • Excellent understanding of chemical safety and ethical research processes
  • Good communication skills – able to disseminate information at internal and external technical forums 
  • Good interpersonal skills, including working with cross-functional teams
  • Additional skills: integrative thinking, results-oriented, high self-awareness, strong mentoring ability, flexible & adaptable. 

Preferred Skills/Competencies:

  • Experience designing and optimizing ion exchange separation processes
  • Experience with industrial use of ion transport, for example membrane desalination or diffusion dialysis
  • Experience with other separation processes like gas contactor membranes

Travel: 

  • 10 -15% travel may be required 

Physical Requirements: 

  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
  • Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
  • Ability to work inside a fume hood for extended periods of time, which includes reaching into and conducting complex mechanical operations with dexterity
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, which includes typing, viewing data, and manipulating documents and data
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, and arm guards) 

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and must not be excluded from participation in federal programs.

Banyu Carbon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.  

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, Banyu Carbon requires that all newly-hired employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before commencing employment, subject to reasonable accommodation and other requirements of applicable federal, state, and local law.