Geochemist - Research Scientist

Research Scientist - Geochemistry

Location: Bangalore (with periodic field travel)

About Mati Carbon

Mati Carbon is a science-driven climate technology company developing scalable and durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through enhanced rock weathering (ERW). By accelerating natural silicate weathering processes, we deliver permanent atmospheric CO removal while improving soil health and agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers. Our work integrates field experimentation, agronomic soil assessment, analytical laboratory measurements, and rigorous monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) to ensure scientific credibility, environmental safety, and climate integrity.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Research Scientist to support and advance our scientific programme in ERW, environmental geochemistry, and soil systems. The role combines agronomic soil testing, geochemical characterisation, analytical laboratory work, and protocol development to generate robust, defensible research outputs.

The Research Scientist will work closely with senior scientific leadership, field operations, agronomy teams, laboratory technicians, and data scientists. The role operates with day-to-day technical independence and requires sound scientific judgement in evaluating data quality,

methodological limitations, and uncertainty, including proactively flagging risks to MRV integrity and escalating deployment-relevant concerns when appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory- and field-based research on ERW, soil–rock–water interactions, and carbon cycling, including technical ownership (under supervision) of sampling strategies, analytical methods, SOPs, QA/QC procedures, and data documentation.
• Perform and interpret agronomic soil testing, including soil pH, electrical conductivity, buffering capacity, SOC and SIC, macronutrients and micronutrients, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, soil texture, and particle size distribution, and assess agronomic impacts of silicate amendments.
• Carry out geochemical characterisation of rock feedstocks and soils, including bulk chemistry, trace element profiling, mineralogy, heavy-metal risk assessment, and asbestiform mineral screening.
• Analyse and integrate soil, geochemical, and environmental datasets and support MRV frameworks by quantifying alkalinity generation, carbon removal, and uncertainties, including clear communication of data limitations and scientific defensibility risks to leadership.
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians, collaborate with agronomy, field operations, data science teams, and external research partners, and prepare technical reports, SOPs, internal documentation, and scientific publications or conference contributions.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Masters or Ph.D. in geochemistry, soil science, environmental science, earth sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in agronomic soil testing, soil chemistry, and environmental geochemistry, with a strong foundation in geochemical and mineralogical characterisation of rocks and soils.
• Hands-on or supervisory experience with ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ion chromatography, XRD, and PSD, along with familiarity with laboratory QA/QC practices, uncertainty assessment, and environmental data management.
• Experience developing, modifying, or technically owning laboratory and field measurement protocols under supervision, and translating analytical data into scientifically defensible interpretations.
• Working knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently within interdisciplinary teams, and experience guiding or mentoring laboratory technicians or junior researchers.