Characterization Specialist

Who are we?

Svante is a rapidly growing clean energy technology company making commercial-scale carbon capture and removal a reality and enabling global industries to play offense in the fight against climate change that will accelerate the global transition to a lower-carbon economy. The growing success of our company is owed to our commitment to our people, our emphasis on our values, and our innovative technology. Passion is put into what we do every day.

The role: Characterization Specialist

Who are you?

Svante is seeking a Characterization Specialist with a high level of expertise in materials and characterization techniques to join the R&D team in Burnaby (near Vancouver), BC, Canada.

You feel passionate about changing the world and creating a better future for the next generations. You believe that climate change needs to be a bigger focus in order to protect our planet. You want to have a career with a high level of purpose that gives you opportunities to bring in innovation, work in collaborative teams and develop your knowledge. When faced with an issue, you enjoy the problem-solving journey and look for the most effective solution. Your colleagues can rely on you for support and deliver on your promises. You multiply your value by developing those around you by leading and coaching through the company's vision, mission and values.

The successful candidate participates in our current characterization efforts by conducting laboratory experiments (sample purification, extraction, other treatments), operating lab instruments (gas sorption analyzers, TGA-DSC, DMA, XRD, etc.), data analysis and report preparation. The candidate also participates in the design, upgrade/build of test apparatuses based on material characterization testing requirements for accelerated degradation, in-situ testing, etc.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Play a key role in gathering knowledge and developing innovative characterization techniques for sorbent screening/qualification relevant to Svante’s carbon capture technology and manufacturing methods
• Characterize materials using lab equipment, e.g., XRD, SEM, FTIR, physisorption, PSD, TGA, DSC, breakthrough unit, mass spectrometer, etc., and perform scientific data analysis and interpretation
• Create complete study plans and perform necessary experiments such as accelerated ageing to investigate degradation mechanisms of various sorbents
• Participating in method development & optimization and experimental uncertainty analysis
• Support other research, product development, prototyping and manufacturing, teams as required
• Prepare documents such as technical reports, SOPs, presentations, publications, and patents
• Carries out other related tasks and projects as required
• Follow standardized testing procedures (ISO, ASTM, etc.) and also design and implement non-standard testing as required
• Maintains instruments and equipment

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of working experience in academic /industry labs in heterogeneous catalysis/sorption
• Excellent knowledge of materials science, porous materials, polymers, metal-organic frameworks
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry and sample preparation
• Practical experience with a wide variety of scientific equipment (TGA, DSC, DVS, XRD, SEM, EDS, PSD, GC/MS, FTIR, Sorption units, Solid/Liquid NMR, etc.), including data analysis
• Good knowledge of electrical and mechanical design pertaining to scientific equipment
• Excellent knowledge of preventative maintenance techniques for chemical, electronic, and mechanical systems
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent knowledge of WCB and WHMIS safety guidelines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to exercise mature judgement and initiative
• Ability to work independently on concurrent projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends about once per month