At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in emissions verification and develop innovative measurement methods.
- Company: Join Quantum Envelope, a pioneering climate tech startup focused on accurate emissions data.
- Benefits: Founding role with equity, shaping the future of climate science and technology.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team with a focus on rigorous science and real-world applications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change by setting new standards for emissions verification.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in atmospheric science or emissions measurement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Founding Scientific Co-founder, Emissions Verification
Greenhouse gas emissions are finally being measured for real, and the world is moving from estimates to numbers that have to stand up. Quantum Envelope is building the layer that turns disagreeing measurements into one number a regulator or an auditor can trust, traceable to a national standard. Our first focus is methane, the fastest lever we have on near-term warming. We are looking for the scientist who will own that science with us, as a founding partner, starting September or October.
The science you would own
You would build the cross-scale method at the heart of the company. The core problem is the scale join, characterising the error between a close-up measurement and a satellite view of the same source, and carrying a traceable uncertainty budget all the way through to an attributed, source-level emission. You would test the method against controlled-release data where the true emission is known, then prove it on a real site, where observation is sparse and emissions intermittent, the hardest case there is. The inversion science is mature and you would build on it. The unsolved part is the traceable cross-scale join, and that is yours to crack.
Who you are
You work in atmospheric inverse modelling or emissions measurement science, and you think naturally about uncertainty and traceability. You likely hold a PhD in a relevant field, or have equivalent research depth. Your gas might be methane, carbon dioxide or something adjacent; what matters is the method, not the molecule. You want to take rigorous science out of the paper and into infrastructure the world can use. You care about climate, and the idea of setting the standard for how emissions are verified is the kind of problem you would give years to. Preference is to be based in the UK or EU.
The deal
This is a founding role with equity, a scientific co-founder seat, not a hire. You would shape the company and the science from the first decisions, with an open methodology under independent governance and a live research bid behind it. We are part of a well regarded climate venture builder, and the mission is huge and the timing is right, with regulation arriving now that makes this layer essential.
If this is your kind of problem, we would love to talk. Tell us what you work on now and what drew you to it, and we will take it from there.
Start date
Start will be in September/October, depending on grant awards and seed funding schedule.
Founding Chief Scientist in Southampton employer: Quantum Envelope
Quantum Envelope is an exceptional employer for those passionate about climate science and innovation. As a founding Chief Scientist, you will have the unique opportunity to shape groundbreaking methodologies in emissions verification while working alongside a dedicated team committed to making a real-world impact. With a focus on employee growth and collaboration, our culture fosters creativity and scientific rigor, all within a supportive environment that values your contributions to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Chief Scientist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the emissions measurement field, attend relevant conferences, and engage in discussions. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that founding role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a presentation or a portfolio showcasing your work in atmospheric inverse modelling or emissions measurement science. This will help us see how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to us directly through our website. Share your passion for climate science and how you envision shaping the future of emissions verification with us.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow the latest research and developments in emissions measurement. This knowledge will not only impress us but also help you articulate your vision for the role effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Chief Scientist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Climate Science:When writing your application, let your passion for climate science shine through. We want to see what drives you and how your work aligns with our mission to set the standard for emissions verification. Share your journey and what excites you about tackling these challenges.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to detail your relevant experience in atmospheric inverse modelling or emissions measurement science. We’re looking for someone who can own the science with us, so highlight specific projects or research that demonstrate your expertise and understanding of uncertainty and traceability.
Connect Your Work to Our Goals:In your application, connect your current work to the goals of Quantum Envelope. Explain how your skills and experiences can contribute to building the cross-scale method we need. This shows us that you understand our mission and are ready to take rigorous science into practical infrastructure.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both of us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quantum Envelope
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a Founding Chief Scientist, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of atmospheric inverse modelling and emissions measurement science. Brush up on the latest research and methodologies, especially around methane and carbon dioxide. Be ready to discuss your past work and how it relates to the challenges Quantum Envelope is tackling.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex scientific problems, particularly those involving uncertainty and traceability. Think about how you would approach the cross-scale method and be ready to share your thought process on solving the traceable cross-scale join.
✨Align with the Company’s Mission
Quantum Envelope is all about making emissions verification reliable and traceable. Make sure you convey your passion for climate science and how your values align with their mission. Share why this role excites you and how you envision contributing to the company’s goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions that will test your knowledge and expertise. Prepare to explain your approach to building a traceable uncertainty budget and how you would validate your methods against controlled-release data. Practise articulating complex concepts clearly and concisely.
