Associate Research Scientist or Engineer – Cement and Concrete Materials

Sublime Systems is leading a swift and massive transition to a clean cement manufacturing future. 

Sublime’s breakthrough electrochemical process avoids the pollution caused by ordinary portland cement’s use of fossil-fueled kilns and limestone feedstock. Sublime instead extracts reactive calcium and silicates from abundant raw materials at ambient temperature, to make ASTM C1157-compliant Sublime Cement™, a 1:1 replacement for OPC in concrete. Because it does not require carbon capture, Sublime’s technology offers a clear path for cost-competitive clean cement manufacturing at scale. 

Sublime was founded at MIT in 2020 by Dr. Leah Ellis and Prof. Yet-Ming Chiang, both respected experts in materials science, electrochemical systems, and sustainability research. The company has raised over $200M in funding from leading tech investors, global cement majors, and cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, IEDO, and OCED award programs. 

It currently operates a Somerville, MA-based pilot plant with a >250 TPY nameplate production capacity and is developing its 30,000 TPY first commercial facility in Holyoke, MA.

Sublime Systems is a technology company commercializing affordable, ultra low-carbon cement that can be used in virtually any application under existing standards. Sublime's breakthrough process replaces the industry's legacy fossil fuel-fired kilns with an electrochemical system that operates at ambient temperature and eliminates the use of fossil fuel and limestone, resulting in a zero-carbon, low-embodied energy cement. This technology has the potential to drive gigaton-scale reductions in an industry responsible for 8 percent of global emissions. Sublime is backed by mission-aligned investors, including The Engine, Prime Impact Fund, Energy Impact Partners, and Lowercarbon Capital. We are building a diverse and collaborative team of folks who are "amped about cement" (pun intended), who share our values of excellence, creativity, and teamwork, and our motivation to create a better world.

Sublime Systems seeks an associate research scientist or engineer to contribute to the development of our cement and concrete materials. This contributor will be responsible for conducting research including hands-on lab-scale testing, data analysis, and literature reviews, and will work with the rest of our team to validate and optimize the performance of our cement and concrete. The associate research scientist or engineer will work closely with the company’s experienced technical team and will make a large impact on the technology and business. This is an exciting opportunity to combat global climate change by transforming how the world makes cement. This position is located in Somerville, MA.

 

Responsibilities include:

●       Performing lab experiments including cement and concrete property measurements, analyzing data, and presenting results

●       Ordering, maintaining, and organizing the laboratory’s supplies, materials, and tools

●       Championing safety, especially in the development of experimental processes

●       Contributing to the development of Sublime’s technology through literature reviews and informational interviews with industry experts

●       Contributing to white papers, reports, and patent applications

●       Fostering Sublime Systems’ reputation by delivering innovative solutions

●       Helping to develop a supportive, innovative, and dynamic company culture

This role will focus on cement performance validation and optimization. The position is expected to be hands-on, with a significant amount of time spent engaging in lab testing. The ideal candidate will be independent, results-driven, ambitious, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

 

●   Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, materials science, materials chemistry, or a related field.

●   Basic knowledge of materials chemistry and mechanical properties of materials.

●   Experience working in a chemistry, materials science, or engineering laboratory.

● Ability to carefully follow established procedures to prepare test materials and measure key physical and chemical properties of cement and concrete.

● Candidates with research experience in cement, concrete, admixtures, and/or related materials are preferred.

● Ability to lift objects up to 50 lbs.

● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

● Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to listen, distill information, consult, and suggest new approaches.

● Ability to pay close attention to detail, focusing on accuracy and quality, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

● Balance, perspective, and a good sense of humor.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.