Scientist/Senior Scientist, Polymer Chemistry

Scientist/Senior Scientist, Polymer ChemistryBirch Biosciences - Portland, OR, United StatesDate Posted: 18 Mar, 2023Salary Offered: Not SpecifiedJob Type: Full TimeExperience Required: No experience requiredRemote Work: NoVacancies: 1 availableToday, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and plastic demand is expected to triple by 2050, so our plastic problem is only going to get worse unless we do something about it.Birch Biosciences is a startup company based in Portland, Oregon that engineers enzymes for plastic recycling using synthetic biology and machine learning. Engineered enzymes act as “molecular scissors” to break down plastic polymers in a high yield, circular process that enables manufacture of high quality, 100% recycled plastic products. Our bio-enzymatic recycling process is low cost, high yield, and reduces CO2 emissions by > 50%.We’re worried about climate change and are building a team of individuals who share our passion for solving this problem through close collaboration and a sense of urgency. We’re building a different kind of company, where employees think like owners, act with authority, and collaborate closely with one another.We are seeking an expert in polymer chemistry to join our growing team as a Scientist/Senior Scientist. In this role, you will lead the efforts for developing analytical techniques to characterize polyurethane breakdown and support downstream activities for measuring purity and recovery of polymers. You will be the subject matter expert in chemistry/polymer chemistry at Birch and you will be tasked with leveraging your expertise to help make business decisions around projects the team takes on. If you are a self-starter who is interested in helping to build a company from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you!Responsibilities:Develop analytical methods for detection and quantification of plastic polymers, oligomers, and monomers using modern techniques and instrumentation (e.g. HPLC, SEC, LC/GC-MS, DSC/ITC, FTIR, NMR)Identify polymer degradation products from uncharacterized and heterogeneous biological mixturesDevelop and synthesize novel polymers for quantitative detection of enzyme activity in microfluidics assaysCollaborate with protein engineers to optimize enzyme-polymer interactions, including enzyme activity and specificityCollaborate with bioprocess engineers to characterize polymer breakdown at bench and pilot plant scale using analytical chemistry and related techniquesCollaborate with bioprocess engineers to develop monomer recovery and purification protocols that exceed customer yield and quality specificationsSynthesize 100% recycled plastic resin from monomers and evaluate resin qualityQualifications:MS or PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with petrochemical-based polymers/synthetic polymer chemistry5+ years of experience developing analytical methodsExpertise with analytical chemistry instrumentation (HPLC, MS, DSC, FTIR, etc.)Knowledge of process chemistryExcellent attention to detailExcellent communication skillsPassion for solving hard technical problemsNice-to-haves (but not required):Plastic recycling experienceKnowledgeable in the field of biochemistryDevelop and synthesize novel polymers with fluorescent probesPrevious startup experience preferredPrevious technical team and program management experience preferredTitle and compensation will be based on level of experience with requested qualifications and may range from Scientist to Senior Scientist.Compensation and benefits at Birch Biosciences include:Base Salary and EquityGenerous paid time off policy that includes: 3 weeks, approximately 1 additional week during year-end holidays, and 5 federal holidays of your choiceHealth Reimbursement Accounts401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matchAs we continue to grow, our benefits package will evolve. The benefits outlined above are accurate as of the job posting date, but may differ at time of hire.Birch Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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