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.
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.
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 to field-building and applied research strategy in a nonprofit
context.
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.
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.
Scientific 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
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.
Travel: 3-4 times per year for annual offsites or other coworking/trainings/team gatherings
$110,000 - $125,000 a year
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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