Research Scientist Intern

THE ROLE

We are seeking a Research Science Intern to join Heirlooms Innovation Team for the upcoming Summer for a 1216 week this role you will investigate how process-derived conditions influence key performance drivers in high-temperature gas-solid systems such as reaction efficiency materials stability impurity behavior and overall process performance in a direct air capture (DAC) regeneration environment. This is an opportunity for someone who wants hands-on ownership exposure to research in an industry setting and experience working in a fast-paced climate tech startup.

WHAT YOULL DO

• Design and execute experiments using lab-scale reactors TGA and pilot equipment

• Analyze gassolid reaction data to extract kinetic trends operational limits and performance drivers

• Help define experimentally grounded metrics relevant to techno-economic analysis and process modeling

• Evaluate effects of operating conditions impurities and refractory or system interactions on materials performance and durability

• Investigate how variations in gas composition temperature profiles and solids handling influence calcination carbonation and related high-temperature processes

• Collaborate with lab technicians scientists and engineers

• Document findings and present technical conclusions to the innovation team

WHAT YOULL BRING

• Strong foundation in gassolid reaction engineering high-temperature materials or related experimental research areas

• Knowledge of solid characterization methods (TGA XRD SEM BET ICP-OES/MS XRF) and ability to interpret results in the context of process performance

• Comfortable working hands-on in laboratory and pilot-scale environments including reactor operation sample preparation and troubleshooting experimental setups

• Ability to design structured experiments identify key variables and extract meaningful trends from complex datasets

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to connect experimental observations to underlying mechanisms

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with calcination cement/lime processing combustion systems or carbon capture technologies
  Familiarity with sulfur and carbonate chemistries deposition or fouling behavior or impurity-driven degradation mechanisms in high-temperature systems

• Background in reaction kinetics thermochemistry or process modeling

• Python MATLAB or similar tools for data analysis visualization or automation of experimental workflows

COMPENSATION & LOGISTICS

• Internship Duration 1216 weeks

• Compensation: $38.75/hr plus a $5000 relocation/housing allowance paid upfront

You dont have to have every listed requirement and skill to be a great fit. If you are passionate about this opportunity and think you have the skills to succeed please apply!

Our Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion

We encourage you to apply if you identify as Black Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander American Indian or Alaskan Native Hispanic or Latino LGBTQ or with any other underrepresented group even if you dont tick all the boxes in the description below.

Perks and Benefits

• Excellent health dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by Heirloom. FSA option.

• 16 weeks paid parental leave for all Heirloom employees.

• Generous stock options.

• Unlimited PTO for exempt (salaried) employees & 120 hours for full time non-exempt (hourly) employees.

• 401(k).

• Monthly health and wellness reimbursement.

• Annual education and conference budget.

Our Principles

• Radical Honesty. We strive to foster an inclusive environment premised on transparency and respect. We push for excellence yet always remain thoughtful when challenging each other.

• Persistent Optimism. We show up to work with optimism and dont shy away from a challenge. We recognize that the ambitious nature of our mission requires hopefulness dedication and persistence.

• Maximize Learning. Compounding knowledge is our key to victory - we continuously hone our crafts seek the fastest paths to improve and are quick to absorb and apply new insights.

Why you should join Heirloom

• We are solving the challenge of our generation. Climate change is an existential threat and we need as many of the worlds motivated minds as possible to help. There is no greater challenge or opportunity than fighting climate change.

• We are a world-class team. We are engineers scientists and concerned humans from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who are pooling our knowledge and skills to collectively build a more equitable prosperous future for all.

• We remain united resilient and optimistic. We recognize the magnitude of the challenge ahead of us yet believe that we can contribute to mitigating the worst effects of climate change. It wont be easy but we wont quit.

We are backed by credible climate partners. Were well funded by investors from Breakthrough Energy Ventures Ahren Innovation Capital Carbon Direct Microsoft Lowercarbon Capital ARPA-e and the National Science Foundation. Our early customers include Stripe Shopify and Klarna and were building durable partnerships that enable us to tackle this decades-long problem.

Required Experience:

Intern