Synthetic Chemist

About CURA CURA is a Canadian climatetech company developing electrochemical technology to reduce CO2 emissions from cement production. We split limestone into lime and pure CO2 for storage or use, cutting emissions by up to 85% while lowering energy use and manufacturing cost. CURA is building a 30,000 TPA commercial facility online for 2028. Designed as a retrofit-ready solution, CURA’s technology integrates with existing feedstocks, infrastructure, and operations. The company’s founders are seasoned climatetech leaders, with experience in scaling technologies to reduce global CO2 emissions. CURA works with partners globally to accelerate the decarbonization of the cement industry. We are building a team of inventors, builders, and systems thinkers who thrive at the intersection of ambition and execution. CURA operates a well-equipped synthetic chemistry lab with a strong safety culture. All team members complete OHS orientation and role-specific safety training. The Role We are seeking a chemist with experience in both synthesis and electrochemistry to drive the discovery of new additives for CURA's electrochemical acid and base production platform. This role sits at the heart of our chemistry program. A successful candidate will work closely with the CTO and electrochemistry team to expand CURA's molecular library and develop a deep understanding of structure-property relationships to guide the next generation of our electrolyte platform and improve the efficiency and durability of one of our core processes. This is a rare opportunity for synthetic chemists with expertise in electrochemistry to contribute to decarbonizing cement production, one of the most heavily emitting sectors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Research & Development

Lead molecular design, procurement, and synthesis to drive results on one of CURA's core objectives

Operate air-free synthesis techniques, including Schlenk line and glovebox protocols, for air-sensitive chemistries

Characterize synthesized compounds using standard analytical tools (NMR, UV–Vis, and FTIR spectroscopies; and HPLC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS and other mass spectrometric techniques, as needed)

Evaluate electrochemical performance of new molecules using cyclic voltammetry, bulk electrolysis, and flow cell testing

Develop structure-activity relationships linking molecular structure to electrochemical behavior (redox potential, electron transfer kinetics, cycling stability)

Assess degradation pathways in acidic and alkaline electrolyte environments and propose structural modifications to improve lifetime

Build a database of key results on relevant molecular frameworks to improve the energy efficiency, durability, and lifetime of CURA's core technology

Safety & Documentation

Must demonstrate attention to safe work practices

Develop and document hazard assessments

Responsibly manage chemical handling, storage, and safety

Complete molecular synthesis, characterization, and experiments safely, with full documentation of procedures and outcomes

Develop and document standard operating procedures for molecular screening assays

Maintain rigorous experimental records and generate clear technical reports, synthesis protocols, and scale-up recommendations

Collaboration & Communication

Must work well in a team setting and effectively collaborate across an interdisciplinary team

Results oriented with strong interpersonal, and communication/presentation skills

Effectively communicate outcomes and provide recommendations for further development to the management team

Demonstrated aptitude for problem solving, troubleshooting, collaboration, and innovation

Responsibly identify and manage IP, and communicate it to management, internal team members, and external stakeholders

Collaborate with the CTO and electrochemical team on integrating new molecules into cell architectures

Responsibly identify and manage IP, and communicate it to management, internal team members, and external stakeholders

Leadership & External Relations

Must be a self-starter and able to work independently or multiple competing priorities

Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as vendors, suppliers, and partners

Excellent organizational, project, and time management capabilities

Contribute to a culture of honesty, transparency, innovation, and safety

As-needed, train and manage technicians and co-op students in the wet lab setting

Identify and build strong relationships with key chemical and materials suppliers

Contribute to a culture of honesty, transparency, innovation, and safety

QUALIFICATIONS Required :

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada

PhD or Master's degree in organic chemistry, electrochemistry, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Strong scientific communication and documentation skills

Demonstrated proficiency in synthetic chemistry, including air-sensitive techniques. Experience designing, synthesizing, and characterizing redox-active organic molecules

Experienced in conducting electrochemical techniques such as: cyclic voltammetry, controlled-potential electrolysis, and electrochemical characterization of molecular systems

Proficiency in conducting characterization techniques including: NMR, UV-Vis, and IR spectroscopies, and HPLC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS and other mass spectrometric techniques, as needed

Ability to design and execute an independent experimental program with a fast, iterative mindset

Nice to Have:

Experience with redox flow batteries or proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) systems

Background working in harsh electrolyte environments (strongly acidic or alkaline systems)

Familiarity with electrolyzer, flow cell hardware and membrane systems

Experience scaling syntheses from gram to kilogram quantities

WHAT WE OFFER The opportunity to do original synthetic chemistry at the frontier of industrial decarbonization

A collaborative team working across organic chemistry, electrochemistry, process engineering, and industrial design

Competitive salary and early-stage equity stock options

Generous vacation policy and a flexible, mission-driven culture

A chance to make a measurable impact on global climate solutions

Additional Information Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience This position is based primarily in Calgary, AB, with occasional travel (approximately 10%) to partner sites, conferences, and vendor facilities. CURA is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please advise us of any accommodation needs.