Research Associate (Decarbonisation Strategy)

Join us on the journey to get to net zero

At Carbon Direct, we dedicate our scientific, software, and business expertise to empower organizations around the world to take climate action.

Our Mission

Enable organizations to reduce, remove, and utilize their emissions with carbon science

We are a purpose-driven carbon management firm dedicated to helping organizations around the world reach their climate goals. We make carbon science accessible and actionable with our end-to-end platform.

Global citizens with global impact

Whether a scientist, developer, or carbon markets expert, we are united by our mission to take climate action now. We are experts in our fields and we act with confidence. Located across 4 countries and 10+ states in the U.S., we offer both remote-friendly work options and dynamic, in-person experiences with offices located in Seattle, WA and Oakland, CA.

Diverse backgrounds bring diverse perspectives

We recognize that teams with diverse backgrounds and different experiences are powerful. Bringing together a variety of perspectives only enhances how we can effectively address the climate crisis. Together, we are creating an environment where everyone is celebrated and anyone can succeed.

Overview 

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Associate to support carbon management advisory projects. As a Research Associate, you will conduct research, writing, analysis, and other forms of content development to contribute to the successful delivery of strategic and technical engagements across a broad spectrum of topics. You will work in collaboration with our global team to help clients navigate evolving climate and sustainability challenges. 

The specific foci of the work will vary; therefore, being adaptable and open-minded is essential. Knowledge of the voluntary carbon market as well as sustainability frameworks and standards would be beneficial. In addition to technical contributions, this role will also involve ad-hoc support related to business development, external events, and team administration.

Our work environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, requiring adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Occasional travel may be required and clients may operate in a variety of time zones.

Responsibilities 

• Develop high-quality client deliverables, including presentations, reports, and briefings, synthesising complex research into clear and actionable insights.
• Conduct research, data analysis, modeling, expert interviews, and related activities to support carbon management advisory engagements. 
• Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge on voluntary frameworks, standards, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting rules, claims guidance, and market positions, evaluating their implications for our clients.
• Support engagements related to the development and implementation of decarbonisation and net zero strategies including carbon dioxide removal strategy and assessment of decarbonisation pathways.
• Analyse corporate climate strategies and claims, assessing their alignment with voluntary and compliance frameworks, including GHG accounting rules.
• Provide analytical support on voluntary carbon markets and environmental attribute certificates (EACs, with a focus on building materials) towards the development of thought leadership, project-level diligence, and market positioning strategies.
• Support business development activities, including proposal writing, assisting with client outreach efforts and supporting external event preparation.
• Contribute to team administration and internal coordination, such as organising team gatherings and supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications 

• Master’s (or Bachelor’s with equivalent experience) in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, economics, or related fields.
• Experience in sustainability consulting, decarbonisation, carbon management, or climate-related fields, preferably working with high-profile clients or complex projects.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with GHG accounting principles, voluntary carbon markets, environmental attribute certificates, and sustainability frameworks (e.g., SBTi, GHG Protocol, PCAF, IC-VCM, VCMI etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to translate complex technical findings into clear and compelling deliverables.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).
• Strong organisational and project management skills. Experience in business development is a plus.
• Passion for climate solutions and a commitment to equitable, science-based mitigation strategies. is essential.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—we value potential, diverse experiences, and a willingness to learn.

Salary Range

£54,000-£82,000 a year

Benefits

While we love our work, our lives aren’t defined by it. At Carbon Direct, we offer a robust benefits package that considers the whole person, their partners, and their families – and we’re always looking to improve.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Carbon Direct is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. We adhere rigorously to our equal employment opportunity policies in connection with all employment decisions, including hiring, compensation and promotion.