About the job
Position: Sustainable Chemistry Analyst / Associate
Icos Capital seeks a Sustainable Chemistry Analyst / Associate to support the investment team in evaluating and managing deal flow, with a focus on deep-tech, science-driven investment opportunities in sustainable chemistry and industrial decarbonization.
This role is designed for PhD-trained scientists who wish to apply their technical expertise in a strategic investment environment. The position focuses on rigorous technology assessment, technical due diligence, and structured analytical reporting. The primary objective is to independently evaluate potential investment opportunities, identify technical risks and opportunities, and produce high-quality analytical reports to support investment decisions.
The Analyst will work closely with senior investment professionals to assess emerging technologies, analyze scientific and commercial data, and contribute to informed investment decision-making. Over time, the candidate is expected to take on increasing responsibility in technology evaluation, deal flow analysis, and investment support.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate deep-tech investment opportunities in sustainable chemistry, materials, and industrial technologies
- Conduct technical due diligence, including analysis of scientific literature, patents, and experimental data
- Assess technical feasibility, innovation level, scalability, and competitive positioning of technologies
- Identify key technical risks, assumptions, and development challenges
- Produce clear, structured, and professional analytical reports for internal investment discussions and fund investors
- Support the investment team in building structured insights on emerging technology sectors
- Monitor technology trends and scientific developments relevant to ICOS Capital’s investment focus
Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline, such as:
- Organic or Inorganic Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Chemistry or Electrochemistry
- Materials or Polymer Science
- Surface and Colloid Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Photochemistry
- Computational or Theoretical Chemistry
Candidates should demonstrate deep expertise in one or more of these areas, combined with the ability to quickly understand adjacent technologies.
Required Skills and Experience
- Strong scientific research and analytical capabilities
- Advanced literature research and critical evaluation skills
- Ability to assess experimental data, technical claims, and performance metrics
- Structured, rigorous, and detail-oriented analytical approach
- Ability to synthesize complex scientific information into clear insights
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple analytical tasks
A basic understanding of business fundamentals, venture capital, and technology commercialization is a strong plus.
Position Overview
This position is ideal for a PhD-trained chemist seeking to transition from academia into venture capital, operating at the intersection of science, technology, and investment. The role offers exposure to cutting-edge climate technologies and provides the opportunity to contribute directly to scaling innovations that reduce CO₂ emissions and transform industrial systems.
Compensation
Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and seniority.
Timeline
Interview process begins March 2026
Target start date: Q3 2026
Company Description
Icos Capital is a European ClimateTech venture capital firm founded in 2006, focused on investing in technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions across industries such as chemicals, materials, food systems, and manufacturing. With over €150 million invested in more than 40 companies, Icos Capital team works closely with global corporate partners including Nouryon and Bühler Group to scale breakthrough technologies and accelerate industrial decarbonization.