Opportunity / Full-Time

Associate

The CC Lab is hiring a project Associate!

Position Description:

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The Carbon Containment Lab (CC Lab) is dedicated to advancing scalable and cost-effective climate solutions. 

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Associate to join us in New Haven, Connecticut. This role offers fantastic opportunities for an individual with outstanding analytical, project management and partnership building skills, a passion for climate action, and a creative and entrepreneurial mindset. As an Associate, you will spearhead workstreams, help to build partnerships, coordinate projects, conduct analyses, and gradually take on more management responsibilities as you grow with us.

The ideal candidate will have subject matter expertise or deep interest in the mitigation of methane and short-lived climate pollutants. A cross-disciplinary background in geosciences, chemistry, engineering, climate economics, climate policy, investing, or carbon markets is a bonus. Importantly, we value candidates who have taken their expertise and moved it into action. We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, is naturally curious, and is eager to tackle tangible challenges and drive towards measurable results.

About the Carbon Containment Lab

The CC Lab is a forward-thinking climate nonprofit based in New Haven, dedicated to scaling climate solutions by applying scientific, entrepreneurial, and investment expertise. Our current focus is on advancing the understanding and adoption of high-potential climate interventions, including methane measurement and mitigation, carbon dioxide removal and storage, and the recovery and destruction of ultra-potent greenhouse gasses.

Founded at the Yale School of the Environment in 2020, the CC Lab spun out as an independent nonprofit in early 2024.

The CC Lab has eleven dedicated staff members supported by a broad network of external collaborators, advisors, consultants, and interns. We are fortunate to work in a bright, modern, and vibrant office space in downtown New Haven close to Yale University where about a dozen students contribute as part-time interns during the school year and over the summer.

We value teamwork, collaboration, teaching and learning, diversity, creativity, and flexibility. We strive for excellence and impact, and deeply value team members who are passionate about the Lab’s mission.

CC Lab staff in the woods. (Fall 2024)
CC Lab staff in the woods. (Fall 2024)
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Key Responsibilities:

The Associate will be a key member of the CC Lab short-lived climate pollutants team, ensuring that high-quality project work is completed and contributes directly to achieving the mission of the CC Lab. This role is particularly suited to candidates with a strong entrepreneurial mindset, experience in supporting or working with a diversity of stakeholders, and expertise or a deep interest in methane and short-lived climate pollutants such as N2O, black carbon, and HFCs.

Duties and responsibilities of this position include:

  1. Discovery

    • Participate in project ideation, selection, vetting, and scoping, with a focus on identifying innovative climate solutions, partnerships, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    • Assist in the development of carbon containment strategies aligned with CC Lab’s broader goals, especially those related to methane reduction and mitigation of short-lived climate pollutants.

    • Stay informed about the latest developments in climate news, policy, carbon containment technologies, carbon market methodologies, startup ecosystems, measurement, and best practices.

  2. Planning and Management

    • Contribute to project planning by setting and monitoring progress towards project objectives and key results, with a focus on metrics relevant to innovation.

    • Support fundraising efforts by writing and editing proposals, making presentations, and attending meetings with donors, especially those focused on climate innovation and entrepreneurial ventures.

    • Scope and oversee research conducted by analysts and interns.

    • Participate in recruitment and vetting of staff, interns, advisors, and experts.

  3. Project Execution

    • Identify key partners, experts, collaborators, and other stakeholders relevant to both project and entrepreneurial success, including those in the startup ecosystem and methane reduction fields.

    • Coordinate team, collaborator, and partner meetings by scheduling meetings, establishing agendas with project leads, tracking follow-up action items, and ensuring notes are taken and filed appropriately.

    • Conduct and oversee primary and secondary research using qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly in areas related to innovative climate solutions and startup ventures.

    • Participate in travel and fieldwork as needed and able, particularly when engaging with field projects and collaborators.

    • Organize and analyze data, checking for quality and accuracy, with a focus on actionable insights.

    • Compile research results into reports and presentations.

    • Write and edit publications for different audiences, including those in the startup and climate innovation communities, large companies, policymakers, donors, and local communities.

    • Produce and give internal and external presentations, emphasizing innovation-driven results.

  4. Outreach and Communications

    • Build partnerships and collaborations to advance projects and the CC Lab’s mission.

    • Contribute to the production of CC Lab communications and publications.

    • Represent the CC Lab at conferences, workshops, meetings, courses, and events.

Desired Qualifications:

  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience with a master’s (or higher) degree in a relevant field or at least 5 years of work experience with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in fields related to climate science, engineering, business, or innovation.

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and business concepts to different audiences.

  • Positive, team-player attitude, with a collaborative spirit that thrives in innovation and mission-driven environments.

  • Demonstrated passion for supporting and building climate solutions.

  • Experience working with or supporting startups, accelerators, or innovation initiatives in the climate space.

  • Experience in managing, solving problems, and delivering on complex projects.

  • Proactive, self-directed, resourceful, with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to dynamic, fast-paced environments common in startups and mission-driven organizations.

  • Experience and comfort in working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a variety of contexts, including startup founders, investors, and technical experts.

  • Familiarity or experience with Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Airtable (or similar database system).

  • Familiarity with methane-specific technologies, policies, and mitigation strategies, and a track record of applying this knowledge in real-world or entrepreneurial settings.

  • Experience with GIS or other geospatial analysis.

  • Strong interpersonal skills, with experience working in diverse teams.

Salary and Benefits:

The Carbon Containment Lab offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

  • Salary of $90,000-$120,000/year depending on years of experience

  • Flexible schedule, Mondays-Thursdays in our office in New Haven, Connecticut, Fridays remote

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Retirement savings plan

  • Professional development and learning opportunities

  • Generous paid time off, parental, and sick leave

  • Team outings and retreats

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should complete this Application Form, as well as email a Resume and Cover Letter to staffhiring@cclab.org with the subject line "Associate Application" (completing both the form and email are required to successfully apply). The deadline to apply is February 28th, at 11:59pm EST.

Diversity:

Recruiting, hiring, and retaining a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we work with is critical to the Carbon Containment Lab’s success.

The Carbon Containment Lab is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for every member of our team. The CC Lab does not discriminate against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

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