Research Scientist Intern

THE ROLE We are seeking a Research Science Intern to join Heirloom’s Innovation Team for the upcoming Summer for a 12–16 week internship. In 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 YOU’LL DO - Design and execute experiments using lab-scale reactors, TGA, and pilot equipment - Analyze gas–solid 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 YOU’LL BRING - Pursuing a PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Geology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or related field - Strong foundation in gas–solid 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 ~ 12–16 weeks - Compensation: $38.75/hr plus a $5,000 relocation/housing allowance paid upfront You don’t 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 don’t tick all the boxes in the description below. PERKS AND BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES - 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 don’t 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 world’s 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 won’t be easy, but we won’t quit. We are backed by credible climate partners. We’re 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 we’re building durable partnerships that enable us to tackle this decades-long problem.