Project 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 (CEW) 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. Project Vesta currently employs 10 full-time scientists and engineers including 8 Ph.D. level researchers in geochemistry, oceanography, and ecology. 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.
DESCRIPTION
The role will report to the field trial Senior Scientist, also based at the fieldsite, 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 permanent position and will be located in Southampton, Long Island, NY for a minimum of 2 years, with the option to relocate following that time, if interested. This position may have the opportunity to travel to other pilot locations to assist in on-site field staff training.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional:
- Conducting hands-on, field-based research in coastal oceanography with an emphasis on seawater and porewater geochemistry and sedimentology.
- Overseeing the day-to-day management of fieldwork operations, including field supply ordering and preparation, as well as equipment maintenance.
- Sample processing and analysis of basic aqueous geochemical parameters.
- Collation and management of field data.
- 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.
- On-site training of other Project Vesta team members in field protocols.
- Reporting progress and results to the Project Vesta team.
The ideal candidate can easily fulfill the responsibilities of this position described above and has the following qualities and experience:
Personal:
- A deep sense of dedication to combating the climate crisis.
- Ability and passion to learn quickly and solve challenges independently and creatively.
- A commitment to harmonious and productive collaboration.
- Professionalism under all circumstances.
- Meticulous attention to detail in planning and procedure.
- Enthusiasm for the Project Vesta mission and ethos.
- Dedication to fair and equitable treatment of all individuals on the team.
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
- B.A. or M.S. in Marine Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience conducting fieldwork, ideally including in-water and boat-based activities.
- Proficiency working with and organizing datasets.
- Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Driver’s license.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with aqueous geochemistry, in the field and laboratory.
- Experience in small boat handling.
- SCUBA certification.
- Experience operating and maintaining in-situ sensors.
- Contribution to one or more peer-reviewed publications.
- Ability to travel for brief periods of time (1-2 weeks) a few times (2-3) per year.
EDUCATION
B.A. or M.S. in Marine Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline.
