Associate Electrochemist

About Us:

Parallel Carbon is developing the hardware platform fundamental to a post-fossil fuel society. We are building technology that removes carbon dioxide from the air while producing hydrogen to eliminate emissions. Our mission is to deliver the world’s most scalable solution to reversing climate change.

Our process delivers cost-effective carbon management by combining geomimicry with electrochemistry. Many of Earth’s minerals (and organic matter) readily sequester CO2, but these systems are too limited by speed or scale to handle the excessive amounts of CO2 humans are injecting into the air. Parallel Carbon enhances and accelerates ancient mineral reactions with modern electrochemical processing to solve the speed and scale challenge. 

We are just beginning our journey, but great things are coming for us. Last year, Hello Tomorrow shortlisted Parallel Carbon as one of the 70 companies that will change the world. In December, we closed a $3.6 million investment to scale our technology and begin delivering climate benefits to our customers. 

Over the coming decades, we will remove atmospheric CO2 at the gigaton scale; all that is missing is you. Join us to accelerate climate action. Come reduce and remove carbon, in Parallel.

About the Role:

Parallel Carbon is searching for an enthusiastic and innovative Associate Electrochemist motivated to reverse climate change and help us scale our technology. You will participate in advancing the development and optimisation of our proprietary water electrolyser technology. The ideal candidate will have expertise in electrochemical processes and characterisation, with a focus on water electrolysis and the selection of electrode materials. You will collaborate closely with our Electrochemical Engineer, playing a crucial role in accelerating technology development and Parallel Carbon’s impact. The position is based in Manchester, UK. 

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and optimisation of electrochemical components, focusing on improving performance and efficiency
• Research the architecture and key parameters of our proprietary water electrolyser. Identify and evaluate potential architectures, electrode materials and operational variables to maximise performance, with a focus on scale-up and commercialisation
• Implement process control strategies to optimise electrolyser operation and ensure consistent efficiency and quality
• Conduct experiments to validate process design and assess electrode and system performance using electrochemical characterisation techniques
• Perform in-depth research on electrode materials to identify cost-effective solutions and enhance overall cell performance
• Collaborate with the Electrochemical Engineer to design and execute experimental studies
• Contribute to the scale-up of electrochemical processes from lab scale to pilot and commercial scale
• Prepare technical reports, white papers, and presentations to communicate results and progress to the team and stakeholders
• Develop and manage your own research and development pipeline, ensuring timely completion of projects and alignment with company goal
• Support supplier management activities, including evaluating materials and components necessary for electrochemical processes
• Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvements, including from interviews and literature reviews, to continuously improve Parallel Carbon’s technology. Investigate and analyse new materials, equipment, processes and engineering practices
• Maintain the highest standards of safety through effective process design and proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent potential harm to employees and the environment
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including material scientists, process engineers, and other engineers to troubleshoot and resolve process issues
• Bring passion to fight climate change, and develop a company culture of inclusive innovation valuing sustainable work

Requirements

According to studies, skilled people from underrepresented groups may pass on opportunities if they don't tick all the boxes for a job. If you feel you have what it takes, even if you aren’t perfectly qualified, please go ahead and apply

• Degree in Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in water electrolyser design, development, and optimisation
• Minimum 3 years of experience in electrode chemistry, durability and performance testing
• Advanced knowledge and experimental experience in electrode characterisation, electro-catalysis, water electrolysis (HER and OER), and electrochemical technology development
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and conducting safe laboratory practices
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing technical challenges.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to present ideas, design specifications, and progress updates. Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced and ambitious environment

If you are passionate about fighting climate change, developing and optimising chemical processes, and have a strong track record of delivering results, we encourage you to apply.

** The successful candidate must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the UK.