Science Lead - Measurement
UNDO
Ontario, Canada
In 2025 UNDO was named one of four global winners of the $100M XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, giving further recognition and credibility to enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a carbon removal pathway, and UNDO as a scientific world leader in this field.
In addition to our successful ERW operations, we’re now leveraging our expertise and underlying technology to deliver the UNDO Platform; the digital, financial, and scientific infrastructure that enables project developers around the globe to run scalable, bankable, and verifiable ERW carbon removal projects, generating billions of tonnes of verified CDR.
About the role
At UNDO, geochemistry is the foundational science driving our carbon removal technology, essential for our commercial operations aimed at removing 1 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
We seek an experienced scientist with expertise in either geochemistry, agronomy, soil science or a closely related discipline, as well as strong leadership skills to accelerate the development of our enhanced rock weathering technology, and support scaling CDR through innovation, research and scientific advancement.
As one of our pioneering Science team, you will lead a key workstream, focusing on data quality and measurement approaches. This role is crucial for advancing our understanding of geochemical processes, and delivering our commercial projects, all with the end goal of scalable, accessible CDR.
What will you do
You will work on a range of ERW problems, contributing to the continuous development and improvement of our quantification approach based on the best available science and the calibration and validation of our geochemical model.
We’re flexible on your specialism, and your exact areas of ownership will depend on your experience and skillset. Some example responsibilities are:
Lead on data requirements, quality control and method development for our measurement stack and ensure it is scientifically robust and aligned with verification requirements
Test and sign-off, explain and gain buy-in to our MRV approach to external stakeholders, such as verification bodies, customers and the broader scientific community community
Own the identification, design and installation of research sites, working closely with our field teams to provide ongoing support and advice
Identify and evaluate scientific risks, such as strong acid weathering, and advise on mitigation strategies
Stay current with the latest scientific advancements and industry trends in geochemistry and enhanced weathering
Communicate scientific concepts and approaches to the Carbon and measurement teams and senior leadership
Assist with due diligence, investor relations and contract reporting where expert scientific detail is required
Author, co-author and present enhanced weathering research through peer-reviewed papers, white papers, media articles, presentations and conferences as required
Assist with the development and implementation of team and departmental OKRs
Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.
About you
A suitable candidate for this role will need to be an expert in the field of enhanced rock weathering with a background in aqueous geochemistry, agronomy, plant science, soil science, hydrology, geology or a closely related field. You should have a detailed understanding of rock weathering processes, quantification of CDR through proxy and direct measurement and downstream effects. The work we do is very collaborative, and as such, you’ll be able to work independently on tasks, but also be able to work collaboratively with others in our team so together we can excel the current understanding of enhanced weathering and its contribution to preventing climate change.
Essential:
Ph.D. or equivalent in aqueous geochemistry, agronomy, plant science, soil science, hydrology, geology or a closely related field
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with expertise in a relevant area of geochemical data analysis
Pre-existing understanding of soil, rock and soil solution characterisation methods (i.e. ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, XRD, sequential extractions, weathering isotopic systematics etc)
Proficiency in using laboratory and field equipment for geochemical analyses
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
A track record of delivery of scientific reports or peer-reviewed papers in a timeline manner
Excellent oral and written communication skills - an ability to present complex information adaptively to the audience knowledge level
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Passion for environmental sustainability and addressing climate change.
Desirable
Direct experience with enhanced rock weathering
Post-PhD research experience in either industry or academia (post-doc)
Experience with carbon markets or CDR technologies
Experience in the design, planning and interpretation of field trials.
Use of statistical methods for data analysis
Knowledge of geochemical modelling in PhreeQC would be an advantage
Basic programming capabilities (we use Python)
Familiarity with funding proposal preparation and grant management
Experience in collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders.
What you'll get when you join us
The opportunity to pioneer carbon removal, impacting the planet for the better
A truly committed and collaborative team of passionate scientific, operational and technical specialists
Stock options in UNDO
Private healthcare cover in the UK and Canada, including the options to add dependents
25 days annual leave (plus regional public holidays) and other paid leave such as volunteer, generous paid sick and dependent leave
Enhanced family policies to support a diverse range of personal circumstances
Industry leading pension in the UK, with UNDO matching plus 3%, up to 17% total contributions / CPP matched pension contributions in Canada
Pension salary sacrifice scheme in the UK
Employee Assistance Programme across all regions - a confidential helpful service for you and your family. Financial, wellbeing and emotional support available.
We're an equal opportunity employer. We are looking for the best candidate based on the value they can add. Our culture is hugely important to us and we welcome applicants of all race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We encourage all candidates who believe they have the required skills and experience for any of our roles to apply. We also welcome applications from candidates who have a keen interest and passion for fighting climate change.