Science Manager – Nature-based Solutions (80-100%)
Climeworks · Zürich, Zurich
As a Science Manager in Climeworks Solutions, you make sure that our nature-based solutions (NBS) portfolio meets the same demanding quality bar we apply to all our carbon dioxide removal offerings. Your focus is on Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR), Improved Forest Management (IFM) and Mangroves, but you are not limited to these. You will screen the market, identify and assess priority projects, and carry out due diligence on potential partners. You form and defend Climeworks Solutions' own, independent scientific view on the quality, risks and fit of NBS projects. You keep our assessment criteria up to date and apply them in practice. You work closely with the sourcing team to shape our approach to nature credits, from first supplier contact to partnerships and product positioning. This role gives you real influence on how we build our nature offering and how the wider removal market develops.
- Quality framework development: You adapt and sharpen Climeworks' quality assessment frameworks for nature-based pathways. You draw on the newest published methodologies and on standards as they evolve.
- Supplier assessment and monitoring: You build constructive relationships with relevant suppliers. You rate and benchmark their projects. Over time, you track how project quality and delivery change and flag any concerns early.
- Project due diligence: You run in-depth technical, scientific and commercial reviews of key projects. These cover additionality, measurability, carbon accounting, co-benefits, reversal risk and delivery risk. You combine many data sources, including GIS analysis, project documents and registry information, into clear recommendations.
- Pathway segmentation: As the CDR industry matures, you group projects into sub-pathways and archetypes. For each one, you develop a well-founded view of what quality means.
- Market intelligence and prioritization: Together with Sourcing, you map the project landscape across key regions and pathways. You identify the strongest projects and recommend them, based on methodological robustness, pricing, reputation and delivery record.
- Contracting support: You help Sourcing draft contracts with approved suppliers. You focus on negotiating quality-related terms and amendments.
- Partnership development: You help build relationships with important players in the ecosystem, such as rating agencies, registries, NGOs and other opinion leaders.
- Pathway strategy: You work with colleagues in Science, Sourcing and the wider Commercial team to define the strategy for each nature-based pathway. You consider market trends, quality benchmarks, demand and supply.
- Sales support: You advise on project selection and answer technical questions in customer discussions, pitches and tenders.
- Knowledge sharing: You keep colleagues informed about scientific progress, new methodologies and market developments in nature-based solutions.
- Education: You have a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as ecology, conservation science, environmental or natural sciences, forestry or geography. A PhD is an advantage.
- Experience: You have hands-on experience in nature-based carbon projects. This could be project development, project design documentation, independent project ratings, MRV, carbon modelling or biodiversity research. Experience in carbon markets and CDR, and with standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo or Isometric, is a strong plus.
- Analytical skills: You work confidently with large and varied datasets, including GIS and statistical analysis. You are precise and scientifically rigorous, and you can reach sound conclusions even when data is incomplete.
- Critical thinking: You question assumptions, spot inconsistencies and find practical solutions by connecting findings across projects.
- Business judgement: You weigh commercial and strategic factors when assessing projects and shaping strategy.
- Communication and language: You explain complex topics in a clear and credible way, and you can show how robust your assessments are. You are fluent in written and spoken English.
- Way of working: You take ownership and manage several projects at once, with clean documentation. You are comfortable working across teams and in different environments. You balance independent judgement with close collaboration.
Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together.
What we offer:
- Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.
- Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
- Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter.
- Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.
- Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.
- Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.
Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
Formalities:
- This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week.
- The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what works for you.
- We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.