Project Scientist - Hamptons

Vesta is a USA-based company and research organization with a mission to remove billions of tons of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide through Coastal Enhanced Weathering of olivine. Enhanced weathering is a nature-based negative emission approach that accelerates the weathering rate of naturally occurring silicate minerals. When ground to the size of beach sand, olivine weathers thousands of times faster than would naturally occur in ultramafic rocks, leading to significant CO2 sequestration from the atmosphere on human timescales. Vesta is a fast-growing company that currently employs a team of full-time scientists and engineers. conducting laboratory and field studies at domestic and international locations. We are conducting laboratory, mesocosm, and pilot experiments at locations across the USA and internationally to determine if CEW can be a safe, effective, and affordable means of permanently sequestering excess atmospheric CO2.

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We are seeking to hire a Project Scientist with extensive fieldwork experience, and an academic background, in the Marine Sciences (e.g. marine biology, geology, chemistry) or similar (e.g. Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences) to help lead the world’s first field trial of Coastal Enhanced Weathering in Southampton, NY, USA.

The role will report to the field trial Senior Scientist, also based at the field site, and will assist the Senior Scientist in fieldwork, laboratory work, project management, data interpretation, stakeholder engagement (e.g. community members), and partnership relations (e.g. academic and industry collaborators). This individual must thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment while simultaneously contributing to multiple projects.

This is a full-time position and will be located in Southampton, Long Island, NY for a minimum of 1 year, with the option to relocate following that time, if interested.

Specific Duties:

• Collation and management of field data.
• Testing and reporting on new instruments and equipment being developed for the Vesta research program
• Reporting progress and results to the Project Vesta team.
• Processing and correcting sensor data.
• Building and updating field equipment with guidance from the Vesta Marine Engineer
• Assisting the day-to-day fieldwork operations, including field supply preparation and equipment maintenance.
• Providing thoughtful insight to the Senior Scientist and greater Project Vesta team about effective, efficient, and streamlined field protocols that can be transferred to other project sites and improve organization-wide operations.
• Managing field equipment maintenance schedules and calibrations.
• Conducting hands-on, field-based research in coastal oceanography with an emphasis on seawater and porewater geochemistry and sedimentology.
• Sample processing and analysis of basic aqueous geochemical parameters.

The ideal candidate can easily fulfill the responsibilities of this position described above and has the following qualities and experience:

Required Skills and Experience:

• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• US citizen or legally authorized to work in the US.
• Knowledge of fabrication techniques including familiarity operating hand-held power tools
• B.S. or M.S. in Marine Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline.
• Driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Proficiency working with and organizing datasets.
• Experience conducting fieldwork, ideally including in-water and boat-based activities.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with aqueous geochemistry, in the field and laboratory.
• Contribution to one or more peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience operating and maintaining in-situ sensors.
• Experience with computer programming languages (ARDUINO, Python, MATLAB)
• SCUBA certification.
• Experience in small boat handling.

Personal

• Excitement and enthusiasm to assist in meeting the challenges of running a first-of-a-kind field pilot experiment, including developing relevant protocols and methods as required.
• Enthusiasm for the Project Vesta mission and ethos.
• Dedication to fair and equitable treatment of all individuals on the team.
• Professionalism under all circumstances.
• A deep sense of dedication to combating the climate crisis.
• A commitment to harmonious and productive collaboration.
• Ability and passion to learn quickly and solve challenges independently and creatively.
• Meticulous attention to detail in planning and procedure.

Hiring is contingent upon a background check. Vesta offers a competitive salary package that includes equity; health, vision and dental benefits; and unlimited PTO.

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 resume and a cover letter telling us more about yourself.

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