Science Lead - Research & Innovation

UNDO is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: climate change. We are a fast-growing for-profit business that is already one of the biggest carbon removal companies in the world. In 2025, UNDO was named one of four global winners of the $100M XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, recognising enhanced rock weathering (ERW) as a carbon removal pathway, and UNDO as a scientific world leader in this field.

At UNDO, geochemistry is the foundational science driving our carbon removal technology, essential for our commercial operations aimed at removing 1 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030. We seek an experienced scientist with expertise in either geochemistry, agronomy, soil science or a closely related discipline, as well as strong leadership skills to accelerate the development of our enhanced rock weathering technology, and support scaling CDR through innovation, research and scientific advancement.

As part of our pioneering Science team, you will lead a key workstream, focusing on research and innovation. This role is crucial for advancing our understanding of geochemical processes, driving our R&D, and delivering our commercial projects, all with the end goal of scalable, accessible CDR.

What will you do

• Work on a range of ERW problems, contributing to the continuous development and improvement of our quantification approach based on the best available science and the calibration and validation of our geochemical model.
• Lead on experiment design for new research, driving improvements to our proprietary measurement technologies, from scoping and design through to analysis, presentation of findings and implications for UNDO and ERW.
• Own the identification, design and installation of research sites, working closely with field teams to provide ongoing support and advice, and regularly reporting progress and next steps to key stakeholders.
• Identify and evaluate scientific risks, such as strong acid weathering, and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Stay current with the latest scientific advancements and industry trends in geochemistry and enhanced weathering.
• Communicate scientific concepts and approaches to the Carbon and measurement teams and senior leadership.
• Assist with due diligence, investor relations and contract reporting where expert scientific detail is required.
• Author, co-author and present enhanced weathering research through peer-reviewed papers, white papers, media articles, presentations and conferences as required.
• Assist with the development and implementation of team and departmental OKRs.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.

About you

A suitable candidate for this role will need to be an expert in the field of enhanced rock weathering with a background in aqueous geochemistry, agronomy, plant science, soil science, hydrology, geology or a closely related field. You should have a detailed understanding of rock weathering processes, quantification of CDR through proxy and direct measurement and downstream effects. The work we do is very collaborative, and as such, you’ll be able to work independently on tasks, but also be able to work collaboratively with others in our team.

Essential:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in aqueous geochemistry, agronomy, plant science, soil science, hydrology, geology or a closely related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience designing and executing R&D projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment and build strong relationships across academia and industry.
• A creative mindset with a track record of identifying research gaps and novel opportunities.
• A track record of delivery of scientific reports or peer-reviewed papers in a timely manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills - an ability to present complex information adaptively to the audience's knowledge level.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and addressing climate change.

Desirable:

• Direct experience with enhanced rock weathering.
• Post-PhD research experience in either industry or academia (post-doc).
• Experience with carbon markets or CDR technologies.
• Experience in the design, planning and interpretation of field trials.
• Use of statistical methods for data analysis.
• Knowledge of geochemical modelling in PhreeQC would be an advantage.
• Basic programming capabilities (we use Python).
• Familiarity with funding proposal preparation and grant management.
• Experience in collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders.

What you'll get when you join us

• The opportunity to pioneer carbon removal, impacting the planet for the better.
• A truly committed and collaborative team of passionate scientific, operational and technical specialists.
• Stock options in UNDO.
• Private healthcare cover in the UK and Canada, including the options to add dependents.
• 25 days annual leave (plus regional public holidays) and other paid leave such as volunteer, generous paid sick and dependent leave.
• Enhanced family policies to support a diverse range of personal circumstances.
• Industry leading pension in the UK, with UNDO matching plus 3%, up to 17% total contributions / CPP matched pension contributions in Canada.
• Pension salary sacrifice scheme in the UK.
• Employee Assistance Programme across all regions - a confidential helpful service for you and your family. Financial, wellbeing and emotional support available.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We are looking for the best candidate based on the value they can add. Our culture is hugely important to us and we welcome applicants of all race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We encourage all candidates who believe they have the required skills and experience for any of our roles to apply. We also welcome applications from candidates who have a keen interest and passion for fighting climate change.