Chemical Lab Technician – Analytical & Characterization (100%)

Climeworks operates a newly built, state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with advanced instrumentation for analytics, synthesis, wet chemistry, and materials characterization. The Lab Technician will support the development and characterization of sorbent materials through advanced analytical techniques and reliable lab operations. 

• Laboratory Characterization & Testing: You conduct routine isotherm measurements, including sample preparation. You support lab stakeholders by performing a broad range of material characterization analyses, such as porosity measurements (mercury porosimetry, N₂ physisorption), elemental analysis, titrations, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), ensuring accurate and high-quality data. 

• Method Development & Continuous Improvement: You develop, refine, and implement advanced analytical methods and new measurement technologies to meet evolving research needs. You actively support stakeholders working on sorbent and structured sorbent materials by contributing innovative and reliable experimental approaches. 

• Instrumentation: You maintain, calibrate, validate and troubleshoot laboratory instruments. You ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation including maintenance and calibration logs, validation reports, SOPs, and lessons learned. 

• Lab Operations & Compliance: You support general lab operations including inventory management, gas and waste handling, supply ordering, as well as lab organization, cleaning, and HSE walkthroughs. You ensure compliance with safety regulations and laboratory protocols, with knowledge of relevant regulatory standards (such as SUVA requirements) considered a plus. 

• Data Management & Analysis: You manage and organize laboratory data, including recording, cleaning, and basic analysis. You apply introductory coding skills (e.g., Python) to support simple data processing tasks. 

• Data Visualization & Optimization: You design and implement interactive dashboards and reports (e.g., Power BI) to visualize laboratory performance, KPIs, and experimental data. Advanced coding or scripting skills to further optimize and scale data workflows are considered a plus. 

• Education & Experience: You have completed an apprenticeship as a Chemical Laboratory Technician or hold a degree in Chemistry or a related field and have 2–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an applied lab environment. 

• Analytical Methods, Instrumentation & Lab Operations: You bring solid experience with analytical methods and routine laboratory operations (e.g., isotherm measurements, porosity characterization, elemental analyses), and can maintain, calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments. 

• Method Development: You have experience in method development and implementation of analytical techniques. 

• Data Handling & Documentation: You demonstrate strong documentation and data handling skills. 

• Working Style: You have a structured, detail-oriented, and proactive working style with strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. 

• Safety & Compliance: You have a solid understanding of laboratory safety standards and protocols and ensure adherence to established procedures. 

• Language: You have professional proficiency in English. 

Nice to have 

• Knowledge of SUVA requirements or comparable laboratory safety regulations. 

• Basic Python or similar coding skills for simple data processing. 

• Advanced coding/scripting or dashboarding skills (e.g. Power BI). 

• Experience with advanced material characterization or thermal analysis techniques. 

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.