Co-Founder in Residence (Engineering/CTO), Secure and Scalable CO2 Storage

Join Us as an Engineering Founder in Residence

This is an open application for expressions of interest. Hiring for the role will not start until Q1/Q2 2025.

We are seeking applications from a diverse range of candidates from anywhere in the world to work with us on addressing the challenge of enabling secure and scalable geological CO2 storage. Prior experience in an early stage startup is not a prerequisite and we welcome applications from candidates with experience in the corporate, research, government and not-for-profit sectors.

You’ll work closely with the supportive DSV team and the current Founder in Residence for this area to co-found and spin-out a new company. Once the new venture is incorporated with pre-seed investment from DSV, you and your co-founders will own the majority stake in the business and continue receiving support from the DSV team post-spinout.

The role is full-time, initially remote (can work from anywhere) with possible relocation once the new venture is incorporated.

The Opportunity

There is an urgent need to remove and store billions of tons (Gt) of CO2 from our atmosphere. With over 100 direct air carbon capture (DACC) companies entering the market over recent years, there has been a strong focus on CO2 capture technology. Yet, in order to reach climate goals, we need to simultaneously build the post-capture CO2 storage supply chain.

We must act now and deploy technologies which can deliver secure, low-cost, CO2 storage at gigatonne-scale.

Our Approach

Our business model is to provide permanent and verifiable storage for the >500 Gt of CO2 captured from negative emissions pathways and industrial emissions.

We’ve worked backwards from the requirement of a geological CO2 storage approach that is inherently secure and scalable. We store CO2 in a secure phase, and can deploy in any geological reservoir, regardless of rock type and mineral composition. 

Requirements

Who Should Apply

We are looking for an experienced engineering co-founder, capable of leading the development and optimisation of our CO2 storage technology, who is innovative, ambitious and motivated to tackle the climate crisis.

Most suitable candidates will likely meet multiple of the following criteria (we don't expect you to meet all):

• Higher degree (MEng or PhD) in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related field.
• Chartered engineer recognised by an appropriate engineering institution or council.
• Experience working in an operating plant, manufacturing environment, or other industrial setting.
• Familiarity with gas compression, water pumping and/or oilfield waterflood systems.
• Experience in CAD, process simulation software (e.g Aspen, HYsys) and familiarity with languages such as MATLAB, Python (or equivalent).
• Able to develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical specifications etc. and be responsible for the company's design and engineering workflow.
• Ability to work collaboratively, share knowledge and develop the skills of other team members.
• Strong analytical skills, and a willingness to solve problems related to process design, root cause analysis, and optimisation.
• Strong appreciation of health and safety, social impact and environmental concerns.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to clearly present complex ideas and concepts.
• Creative and positive personality, who is willing to learn, take on new responsibilities and contribute new ideas to shape the company.

Benefits

Our Offer

By joining DSV, you will be part of a team of operators who have founded companies and led the translation of science at some of the most respected universities, charities, funds, and government agencies. Here’s what we offer:

• Access to optimised, purpose-built, proprietary tools, resources, and processes to help create high-impact ventures from scratch;
• Opportunity area-specific know-how from our network of Partners and Advisors;
• Up to £250k in investment to incorporate the new venture and develop early proof-of-concept data;
• Guaranteed income of £4,166 per month paid as a consultancy fee until the company is launched and the pre-seed investment is secured;
• Majority equity stake in the new company for you and your co-founders;
• Continuous post-spinout support, including fundraising, commercial partnerships, recruitment, and team-building;
• Collaborative support from dozens of Founders currently at DSV across sectors.

About DSV

Deep Science Ventures is creating a future in which both humans and the planet can thrive.

We use our unique venture creation process to create, spin-out and invest into science companies, combining available scientific knowledge and founder-type scientists into high-impact ventures.

We operate in 4 sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Climate, Agriculture and Computation, tackling the challenges defining those areas by taking a first principles approach and partnering with leading institutions.