Yama - Electrochemist role
Yama
Posted on Aug 22, 2025
Yama - Electrochemist role
About Yama
Yama is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: Climate Change. Our mission is to remove 1 billion tons of CO₂ by 2050 through the development of the most energy-efficient and scalable Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.
DAC is essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C, but current technologies are resource-intensive and unsustainable at scale. At Yama, we’ve developed a game-changing approach that integrates electrochemistry and low-grade heat regeneration, breaking thermodynamic and kinetic barriers to enable scalable and affordable CO₂ removal.
Founded in May 2023, Yama is a Delaware-incorporated spinout from Deep Science Ventures, supported by the Grantham Foundation and backed by top-tier US and EU investors. Based in Paris, our leadership team—CEO Aurélie Gonzalez, CTO Valentin Fougerit, and Head of Science Harry Macpherson—are driving this bold climate mission forward.
Join us to help build the scientific foundations of tomorrow’s climate solution.
The Role: Electrochemist
We are seeking an exceptional Lead Electrochemist to shape and scale-up a key part of our novel DAC technology: the electrochemical stack.
You will lead the development and design of our electrochemical unit, helping us unlock core scientific challenges to meet our aggressive targets for energy consumption (kWh/tCO₂) and capture cost ($/tCO₂).
This is a pivotal role at the intersection of chemistry, electrochemistry, and process innovation.
Concretely, he/she will be in charge of:
Improve and optimize Yama’s current electrochemical DAC technology at lab scale
Conduct experimental work to enhance prototype performance and component durability
Explore and evaluate alternative technical paths, dedicating 30–50% of time to disruptive R&D
Design, set up, and operate laboratory experiments, ensuring autonomy in test execution
Optimize BPED operating conditions by integrating lab and pilot-scale learnings
Develop and test in-house membrane modifications (AEM and/or BPM)
Reduce specific energy consumption of AEM-BPM configurations through iterative testing
Assess BPM membrane lifetime under Yama’s operating conditions
Define configurations for scale-up to pilot and demonstrator levels (e.g., Kita)
Perform techno-economic assessments (TEA) of alternative solutions and select best options
Compare experimental results across configurations and operating conditions
Prepare synthesis notes and technical documentation summarizing findings and recommendations
Collaborate closely with another electrochemist focused on scale-up and stack design to align lab and pilot R&D activities
Support the transition from TRL 3/4 to TRL 5/6 through systematic lab improvements and technology validation
This development will be performed in partnership with external companies or R&D partners, such as but not limited to: electrochemical technology supplier, academic or private R&D group, membrane manufacturer, external experts…
He/She will report and work closely with the CTO, and be working in close relationship with our R&D Lead.
This is a key role in Yama organization as working on the heart of the Yama technology.
Key Scientific Challenges You’ll Tackle
Improve energy efficiency — reduce the specific energy consumption of the AEM-BPM configuration while maintaining or improving CO₂ capture performance.
Enhance membrane performance — increase BPM membrane lifetime and develop/modify membranes in-house for better efficiency and durability.
Validate alternative pathways — identify, test, and assess disruptive approaches, ensuring successful scale-up from lab to pilot.
Key Responsibilities
Optimize current DAC process — improve energy efficiency, durability, and overall performance of the AEM-BPM configuration at lab scale.
Conduct experimental R&D — design, set up, and run laboratory tests, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
Develop and modify membranes — work on in-house AEM and BPM membrane improvements to enhance efficiency and lifetime.
Evaluate alternative technical pathways — identify, test, and perform techno-economic assessments (TEA) on disruptive approaches.
Support scale-up transition — translate lab optimizations to TRL 5/6 pilot conditions in collaboration with the scale-up team.
What You Bring
Background
PhD in electrochemistry or chemical engineering or membrane development.
Deep expertise in electrochemistry, solvent chemistry, membrane for carbon capture.
Skills
Proven track record of tackling complex challenges and delivering experimental breakthroughs at TRL <5.
Strong transversal capabilities—able to bridge disciplines and think from molecules to systems.
Fluent in English; French is a plus.
Mindset
Collaborative and team-oriented, with a genuine capacity to listen and support others.
Solution- and results-driven, with a sense of service to the team and mission.
Humble yet ambitious—ready to challenge yourself, empower others, and lead by example.
Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable with uncertainty and change.
Why Join Yama?
Mission with Real-World Impact: Tackle one of humanity’s biggest challenges with a company that values scientific excellence and service.
Ownership & Empowerment: Shape the scientific future of a high-potential deeptech startup.
Personal & Professional Growth: Build your team, grow your leadership skills, and play a key role in a new industry.
Central Paris Location & Competitive Package: Attractive compensation with equity.
Ready to Lead the Electrochemistry?
We’re looking for someone who combines scientific excellence with bold ambition. If you have both a strong mind and a big heart (IQ + EQ), we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter to hello@yamacarbon.com, outlining why you’re the perfect fit and how you’ll help Yama succeed.
Let’s pioneer the future of CO₂ removal together.