Polymer Chemist

**ABOUT ALT TEX**

ALT TEX is a biomaterials startup disrupting the multi trillion-dollar fashion industry with radically sustainable and ethical têxtiles. We’ve developed a technology that leverages the world’s most polluting industries - food and fashion - against each other by engineering next generation fabrics, engineered entirely from food waste. Our patent-pending process deploys a fermentation technology that converts food waste into a biodegradable and carbon neutral polyester fiber, for planet-positive têxtiles that don’t compromise performance.

**ABOUT OUR IMPACT**

If you’re interested in joining our mission, you may already know that fashion accounts for up to 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Leading this environmental footprint with over 55 million tons of annual landfill waste is polyester - a fabric that makes up 60% of the clothes we wear. At ALT TEX, you'll be Joining us in overthrowing the $108 billion sector with the next generation of radically ethical and planet positive polyester.

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

The Polymer Chemist will play a central role in the scaleup of the ALT TEX biopolymer synthesis process as the research team continues to optimize the technology for commercialization. The role will report to the Senior Polymer Scientist and will work closely with the research team to conduct highly technical lab-based R&D and operational scaleup.

Within 3 months, you’ll:

- Conduct literary research on polymer synthesis and scaleup to support ongoing technical optimization, develop/interpret associated technical reports, and update standard operating procedures based on findings and best practices
- Set up glassware apparatus for air sensitive and low-pressure reaction and purification techniques
- Execute various established polymer synthesis procedures, with a specific focus on the selection of catalysts, process controls and the synthesis of polymer intermediates
- Conduct compositional and purity analysis using HPLC, NMR, GC, GPC, FTIR, ICP, IR, and LC-MS (training provided)
- Support day-to-day research operations including material tracking/ordering, organizing lab activity and workplans

Within 6 months you’ll:

- Lead scaleup of bench-top polymerization to 10L-50L reactor scale while optimizing reaction kinetics to reach target yield, purity, and polymer quality
- Optimize control of synthesis procedure to generate biopolymer within the targeted MW range, with attention to apparatus set-up, environmental parameters, isomeric specificity, monomer: catalyst ratios, monomer conversion rates, and purity level of the final polymer
- Assist in decisions related to scaled equipment purchases such as monomer synthesis reactors, polymerization reactors and analytical equipment

12 months & beyond, you’ll:

- Assist team in the planning operational scaleup from bench scale to pilot scale including equipment and site specifications
- Work alongside team to develop and implement pilot facility HES policy, complying with all regulatory and internal requirements
- Develop efficient and sustainable materials processing and manufacturing that considers life cycle analysis

**ABOUT YOU**

You’re an impact and sustainability focused innovator who wants to use their talent for massively scalable change. You’re a risk taker ready to immerse yourself in an incredibly fast-paced and dynamic team, in a position that offers rapid job growth opportunity. You’re an innovative thinker and want to bring bold ideas to the table where you can supercharge them to fruition.

Your basic background
& experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant polymer synthesis/scaleup industrial experience
- OR Master’s degree or higher in areas of Applied Polymer Science, Organometallic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field with 1+ years industry experience
- 2+ years in lab research setting with technical acumen in organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or polymer synthesis
- Strong knowledge of polymer reactors (10L + scale) including the ability to operate, modify, design, calibrate and maintain reactor

Bonus skills & experience:

- Analytical chemistry and method development experience of HPLC, NMR, Gas Chromatography, Gel Permeation Chromatography, FTIR, and/or LC-MS
- Additional experience with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and other material testing standards for the analysis of synthesized polymer is preferred (training available).

**THE DETAILS**

Job title: Polymer Chemist

Terms: Permanent, full time

Compensation: $60,000 - $80,000 or commensurate with experience

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Other benefits: Stock options, health benefits, casual and social work environment - you'll have fun here, we promise :)G6tJrBXESW