Job Title

Senior Healthy Building Scientist Santa Clara, CA Salary: 120-160K Industry: Custom Residential Construction – Healthy Homes   BUILD THE HEALTHIEST HOMES IN AMERICA: We are a small, highly specialized custom residential builder dedicated to advancing the science and practice of healthy homes. Our work sits at the intersection of building science, material chemistry, indoor air quality, moisture control, and environmental health.   We are not a volume builder.   We are not a "greenwashing” firm.   We are building a new standard for residential construction — and we intend to become the nationwide authority in healthy custom homes.   We are seeking a Senior Healthy Building Scientist to help lead this next phase.   This is not a compliance role.   This is not an energy-only role.   This is a systems-level, health-first building science position.   If you care deeply about how buildings affect human health — and you want to apply rigorous technical analysis to real homes for real families — this role was built for you.   THE MISSION OF THIS ROLE You will analyze materials, systems, and assemblies in high-performance residential wood-frame homes to identify and mitigate potential health risks to homeowners.   You will evaluate: Chemical emissions from building materials (VOC/SVOC, formaldehyde, plasticizers, isocyanates, flame retardants, etc.) Moisture and hygrothermal behavior of wall, roof, and slab assemblies Fire and combustion toxicity risk (e.g., hydrogen cyanide from polyurethane, hydrogen chloride and dioxins from PVC, etc.) System interactions that create unintended health consequences HVAC design, ventilation adequacy, pressure dynamics, and microbial growth risk a plus, but not necessary   You will help ensure our homes are not only energy-efficient — but genuinely healthy, durable, and defensible from a building science perspective.   WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE: You will operate within a proprietary Healthy Building Risk Framework You will work directly with decision-makers — not buried in a corporate hierarchy Your analysis will influence real design and construction decisions You will help shape what "healthy residential construction” means nationally You will work in a company that refuses to use materials known to be highly toxic or environmentally harmful (e.g., PVC is considered off-limits in our assemblies)   This role blends science, ethics, and practical construction knowledge.   CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Material Risk Evaluation Review and analyze insulation systems, sealants, flooring, cabinetry, structural components, and finishes Evaluate emissions data, SDS documentation, and combustion byproducts Identify high-risk materials and recommend safer alternatives Moisture & Assembly Analysis Evaluate vapor profiles, drying potential, dew point location, and condensation risk Assess roof decks, wall assemblies, slab conditions, and foundation details Identify systemic mold risk before construction begins HVAC & Ventilation Evaluation Analyze ventilation rates relative to ASHRAE 62.2 Evaluate pressure balancing, fresh air distribution, and filtration Identify duct and equipment conditions that may promote microbial growth Systems Interaction Risk Identify unintended consequences of combined material and mechanical decisions Evaluate tight envelope + insulation type + ventilation strategy interactions Provide defensible, technically grounded risk assessments Reporting & Communication Produce clear, structured risk evaluations Translate technical analysis into actionable recommendations Collaborate with architects, engineers, and field teams   WHO YOU ARE: You are a systems thinker and understand that buildings are dynamic biological and chemical environments — not just structures.   You likely have 8+ years of experience in one or more of the following: Building science or enclosure consulting Indoor air quality and environmental health Forensic moisture investigation High-performance residential design Mechanical systems design (HVAC)   You are comfortable discussing: Hygrothermal modeling Vapor permeability gradients Emission classes and chemical persistence Combustion toxicology Pressure diagnostics and ventilation balancing   You are skeptical of marketing claims and committed to evidence-based analysis.   You care about durability and human health equally.   PREFERRED CREDENTIALS (Not Required but Highly Valued): CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) CIEC / CMRS BPI Building Analyst or Envelope Professional Passive House training (PHI, PHIUS or equivalent) Experience with WUFI or similar modeling tools Strong familiarity with ASHRAE 62.2   WHY JOIN US? We are small by design — and serious by intention.   You will have: Direct influence on design standards High intellectual autonomy A leadership role in shaping a national niche The opportunity to build a body of work that advances healthy housing standards Competitive compensation aligned with experience A clear growth path within a mission-driven organization   If you want to quietly do routine energy audits, this is not your job.   If you want to shape the future of healthy residential construction — and apply rigorous science to real-world building decisions — we would like to speak with you.   COMPENSATION: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and credentials Senior-level candidates can expect compensation aligned with advanced building science and environmental health expertise   We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.   req26-00111