Scientific Lead - Nature-based Solutions (80-100%)

• 08 September 2026
• 80 - 100%
• Indefinite duration
• Opfikon, Zurich

As Scientific Lead at Climeworks Solutions, your mission is to ensure that Climeworks' offering of nature-based solutions (NBS) remains compliant with our high-quality standards for carbon dioxide removal. Specifically focused, but not limited to, reforestation, afforestation and revegetation (ARR), improved forest management (IFM) and mangroves, your work will focus on market screening, identification and selection of priority projects, as well as due diligence of potential partners. You will be responsible for formulating and defending Climeworks Solutions' independent scientific vision on the quality, risks and suitability of NBS projects. You are responsible for the continuous refinement and effective application of our assessment criteria for nature-based projects and will work closely with members of the procurement team to align our strategic approach to nature credits, from supplier engagement to partnerships and product positioning. This role offers a unique opportunity to continually define and shape Climeworks Solutions' nature offering and the broader removal market.

• Development of the quality assessment framework: You improve and adapt Climeworks' quality assessment frameworks to nature-based pathways, building on the most recent published methodologies and evolving market standards.
• Supplier assessment and monitoring: You build trusting relationships with suppliers of interest. You perform rating assessments and project benchmarks. You also monitor projects and assess changes in quality or delivery-related concerns over time.
• Project due diligence: You perform thorough technical, scientific and commercial due diligence on critical projects, covering dimensions such as additionality, measurability, carbon accounting, co-benefits, reversal risk, as well as operational and delivery-related risks. This involves analyzing multiple data sources and making recommendations based on the results.
• Pathway segmentation: You help classify and segment projects into sub-pathways and archetypes as the CO2 removal industry evolves, developing a robust perspective on the quality foundations for each.
• Market intelligence and prioritization: In collaboration with the procurement team, you map the universe of projects across key geographic areas for relevant pathways. You form a perspective on benchmark projects and develop a recommendation (e.g., robust methodology, attractive pricing, strong reputation or delivery track record, etc.).
• Contracting support: You support the procurement team in formulating contracts with selected suppliers, focusing on negotiating key quality-based amendments and conditions.
• Partnership development: You contribute to building strategic partnerships with key ecosystem players, such as rating agencies, registries, NGOs and other market opinion leaders and influencers.
• Pathway-specific strategy: You collaborate with key internal stakeholders in Science, Procurement and the broader Commercial unit to shape the strategy for each nature-based pathway, taking into account market trends, quality benchmarks, demand drivers, availability and other critical factors.
• Sales support: You support client conversations, presentations and tender calls by advising on project selection and answering project-specific questions.
• Knowledge sharing: You inform internal stakeholders on scientific developments, emerging methodologies and market evolution across nature-based pathways.
• Academic background: You hold a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., physical, natural or environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, geography, earth system or climate sciences, etc.). A PhD is a plus.
• Professional experience: You have relevant experience in nature-based solutions, such as project development, project assessment, ratings, methodology development, MRV, biodiversity monitoring, conservation finance or related fields. Experience in carbon markets and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a major asset.
• Analytical skills: You confidently manage multiple datasets, combining attention to detail and scientific rigor with the ability to draw conclusions from incomplete data.
• Critical thinking: You think critically, identify inconsistencies, challenge information and develop creative solutions by connecting insights between projects.
• Business judgment: You apply sound business and strategic judgment to project assessments and broader strategic development.
• Communication & Languages: You communicate complex subjects clearly and confidently, while conveying the rigor of the assessment. You are proficient in written and spoken English.
• Working style: You proactively manage multiple projects and workflows with a high degree of responsibility while maintaining clear reporting and archives. You create alignment between the