Research Associate (Product Development)

Want to impact one of the largest industries in the world? Fortera is a materials technology company headquartered in Silicon Valley that has created a new highly engineered zero CO₂ cement solution that can reduce CO₂ emissions by 100% when combined with green energy sources.The technology is inspired by nature and directly converts CO₂ into a replacement for ordinary cement, turning a problem into a product. With over ten years of testing and 100,000 hours of R&D backing the technology, Fortera is ready to grow the team and begin commercial production of this exciting new product. Be on the ground floor of a carbon-to-value movement that will impact millions for generations to come. We are looking for passionate thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers who share our vision that big challenges are big opportunities for change. Visit www.forteraglobal.com for more information.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Research Associate will assist and sometimes lead laboratory efforts to develop more sustainable cements. The role will include experimenting with cement formulations, designing experimental plans, performing mechanical and durability tests, and operating analytical equipment as needed, such as XRD, XRF, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), thermal gravimetric analyzers (TGA), physisorption (BET), and particle size analyzers.

This position will be part of the Product team within the R&D department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare cement-based mortars/paste/concrete systems, and test for performance
• Perform experiments under the guidance of staff scientists
• Use research data to drive product improvements
• Analyze materials using characterization techniques (SEM/XRD/TGA/etc.) when required
• Collect, analyze, report, and present findings at group research meetings
• Maintain and update of Inventory of consumables and chemicals in the laboratory
• Conduct safety inspections
• Comply with all safety/lean practices within the lab

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering or related field or 3 years of experience as a research associate
• Demonstrated history of critical thinking in scientific endeavors
• Experience working in a laboratory setting with chemicals
• Ability to perform tests in a consistent and repeatable fashion
• Eagerness to learn
• Eagerness to work in a team environment
• A “can-do” attitude
• Ability to work safely and professionally

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years of lab experience (college labs, internships, work experience etc.)
• Hands on experience with at least two of the following instruments (SEM/XRD/BET/Calorimeter/XRF/Particle Sizing)
• Experience in cement, CO2 capture, or green tech is a plus
• Experience with startups is a plus
• Interest in a career in research and development

COMPENSATION:

The compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience of $70,000 - $78,000  as well as an annual bonus and pre-IPO incentive stock options.  

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverages for employees
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Tax deferred & Roth 401k
• Paid vacation days (increased with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and unlimited PTO for exempt employees

Fortera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.