R&D Chemist

About Us

Mitico, a spin-off from Caltech, is developing a CO2 capture process using metal carbonates to capture CO2 directly from the flue gas of point-source emitters as a post-combustion technology. This innovative approach relies on temperature- and moisture- swing absorption on metal carbonates to capture 95+% of CO2 in the flue gas at a lower energy consumption compared to any other chemical-based capture technologies.

Position Scope

As an R&D Chemist you will be collaborating with other chemists and engineers to improve the carbon capture sorbent used in our patent-pending CO2 capture system. We use alkaline metal carbonates that are safe and abundant as the primary ingredients in the sorbent. Other additives are integrated to ensure its stability and longevity in the system’s operating conditions. In collaboration with the operation and engineering teams, you will develop the sorbent to improve its stability, performance, and mechanical properties. Your work will help slow down climate change and save the planet.

This in-person full-time position is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Responsibilities

Technical

• Improve solid chemical carbon capture sorbent formulation using additives (e.g. binders, moisture stabilizers, pore formers) on the lab scale for high temperature and humidity operating conditions
• Conceptualize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and test the sorbent made in the previous step according to the SOPs:
• Achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (e.g. CO2 capture capacity and kinetics under high temperature and humidity) through the choice of additives
• Select appropriate testing conditions, and modify the existing test benches accordingly
• Gas compositions
• Temperature and pressure
• Flow rates
• Pollutants (corrosive gasses, particulates)
• Sorbent quantity
• Cycle the sorbent through high/low temperature and humidity in accelerated life cycle testing
• Test sorbent recyclability
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the performance of each sorbent to achieve the KPIs
• Plan scale-up strategies for sorbent manufacturing at multi-ton scale
• Collaborate with the operation and engineering teams to adapt the sorbent to operating and usage conditions.

Safety

• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures
• Demonstrate a positive approach to safety
• Maintain the lab space in a safe condition in line with all applicable regulations and guidelines

General

• Scheduled weekly hours: 40 hours per week, typically 8 AM - 4:30 PM
• Ability to work in the US 
• Ability to carry 50 lbs. charges and work in sit-stand operations

Education and Experience

Education

• BS in chemistry, material science, geology, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields 
• MS or PhD in the fields above preferred

Experience

• Experience with synthesis, formulation, and/or manufacturing of solid material containing metal carbonates, binders, moisture stabilizers and/or pore formers, etc.
• Experience with measuring chemical reaction activity of the solid material under high temperature and humidity conditions
• Experience with characterizing solid materials (optical microscopy, BET, crush test, etc.)
• Experience strategizing the industrial scale-up pathways of the synthesis and/or manufacturing of the solid material

Other Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills
• Good collaboration skills in a small, fast-paced team environment
• Effective communication skills

Bonus Points

• Experience with ASTM standards related to reactor packing material
• 3+ years of lab or manufacturing experience 



Salary and benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Paid time off (4 weeks per year)
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Generous HRA insurance pays for health-related expenses and insurance premium