Biological Methane Removal Scientist

One-Year Full-Time Appointment • Programs, Methane Removal

Please note: this is a full-time, one-year role. There is also a part-time, hourly position posted for this same role. We will hire one person—part-time or full-time—across these two positions.

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Applications submitted by April 26th will receive priority consideration, but the job will remain open until filled.

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About Spark

We are a science-driven, philanthropically funded nonprofit that accelerates progress on unsolved climate challenges. Our goal is to enable a safer climate by filling targeted gaps in current climate action. We look around the corner at the key blind spots that pose big climate risks or offer big climate opportunities—like major sources of unabated emissions—then work to speed up development of the fields needed to address those challenges.

Rather than betting on individual pathways, we work to grow fields as a whole so the most effective science and solutions can be surfaced and scaled. We use a large suite of field-building tools to support new research, markets, policies, and talent development, through both in-house initiatives and broader coalitions. We are currently focused on super pollutants from agriculture, warming-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and methane removal.

About the Methane Removal Program

Methane emissions account for roughly 30% of current global warming, and even with aggressive reductions, atmospheric concentrations are expected to remain elevated due to hard-to-abate sources—including warming-induced emissions from permafrost and wetlands. Methane removal has emerged as a potential strategy to help manage this risk by accelerating the natural breakdown of atmospheric methane, but the field is at an early stage and in need of foundational research, coordination, and rigorous assessment of different potential pathways. Spark's Methane Removal program accelerates the assessment of the viability of methane removal to inform the broader climate solutions portfolio. We work across science, engagement, funding, and governance to help determine—more quickly than would otherwise be possible—whether methane removal can be a viable option for reducing climate risk.

Position Summary

This position is a unique opportunity to explore and advance the very early-stage field of biological methane removal approaches, by identifying and ideating potential novel climate mitigation approaches, and prioritizing and advancing key scientific work needed to test these ideas.

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This is a targeted hire to build the Methane Removal program's biological methane removal expertise. The role is a one-year, full-time appointment focused on microbial approaches to methane removal, specifically methanotrophs, and is designed for a researcher who is looking to apply rigorous scientific expertise and creativity to field-building and applied research strategy in a nonprofit context.

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The first six months will focus on a comprehensive literature review and relationship-building across the biological methane removal research community to identify Spark's highest-leverage entry points. The second six months will translate those findings into action—developing a funding solicitation and seeing it through the full grants process to award. This position reports directly to Methane Removal Program Director, Megan Melamed.

Position Goals

Months 1–6: Landscape Assessment

• Conduct a rigorous literature review of biological methane removal, with a focus on methanotrophs, synthesizing the state of the science, key knowledge gaps, and most promising research directions.
• Build relationships with leading researchers and institutions focused on research areas relevant to biological methane removal.
• Identify Spark’s highest-leverage entry point for biological approaches—where targeted investment could most meaningfully advance the field.
• Produce a clear written assessment to guide internal strategy and inform external communications.‍

Months 7–12: Solicitation Development and Grants‍

• Develop a funding solicitation based on the landscape assessment findings, including scientific framing, eligibility criteria, and evaluation rubric.
• Manage the full solicitation process: outreach, proposal review, scientific evaluation, and grant awards.
• Contribute to program communications summarizing findings and grantmaking outcomes for internal and external audiences.

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Duties and Responsibilities‍

Scientific Guidance and Research

• Lead the biological methane removal landscape review, synthesizing literature and community knowledge into actionable scientific insights.
• Evaluate grant proposals based on scientific merit, strategic alignment, and contribution to the broader field.
• Produce high-quality written outputs, including assessment reports, white papers, and solicitation materials.

‍Field Building‍

• Cultivate relationships with researchers and institutions working on methanotrophic and related biological approaches to methane removal.
• Represent Spark at relevant conferences, workshops, scientific convenings, and meetings with other organizations.
• Translate scientific findings into accessible language for policymakers, funders, and broader audiences.

‍Program Support‍

• Contribute scientific expertise to the broader Methane Removal program strategy.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Director and program team throughout both phases of work.

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Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of combined professional and research experience, inclusive of graduate work.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research, synthesize large bodies of literature, and produce high-quality written outputs.
• Creativity and openness in exploring new potential climate solution pathways.
• Familiarity with biological methane cycling, methanotrophs, or related microbial systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences effectively.

Desired Qualifications

• One or two postdocs, or equivalent applied research experience following the Ph.D.
• Prior experience applying scientific expertise in a nonprofit, policy, or applied research context.
• Experience with grant writing, proposal evaluation, or research program development.
  
• Existing relationships within the biological methane removal, microbiology, or related research communities.
• Ability to evaluate scientific approaches through the lens of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and deployment feasibility — not just scientific merit.
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Why Join Us
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Spark Climate Solutions is a nimble, impact-focused nonprofit driving urgent progress on underinvested climate solutions. You’ll join a team of scientists, strategists, and systems thinkers working to shift the trajectory of global climate mitigation. This role offers the chance to make a material difference on some of the world’s most potent and overlooked emissions sources.

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Location
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As with all positions at Spark Climate Solutions, this will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States, or internationally with approval, and must accommodate a workday that overlaps with Pacific Time for 4+ hours/day.

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Travel: 3-4 times per year for annual offsites or other coworking/trainings/team gatherings

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Compensation & Benefits

$110,000 - $125,000 a year

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Competitive benefits package including 90% health coverage and 75% coverage for dependents, 401k matching, generous PTO, sick time, and an end-of-year closure, parental leave, annual national park pass, and more* We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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