Material developer / Polymer expert
MYCOTEX by NEFFA is seeking a highly skilled and innovative “Material Developer / Polymer Expert” to join our material R&D team. The successful candidate will focus on the research, development, and optimization of biopolymer materials, with a particular focus on mycelium-based materials (MYCOTEX and PARYCEL). This role will contribute significantly to the seamless manufacturing processes by integrating sustainable material solutions into product design and development.
Key responsibilities
Research & Development:
- Conduct comprehensive research on a broad spectrum of biopolymers, including mushroom mycelium, with the aim of developing high-performance, sustainable materials for advanced manufacturing applications.
- Design, execute, and document experiments related to material development.
- Analyze results to optimize material properties and performance, while keeping detailed records of methodologies and findings.
- Work closely with R&D team to integrate new materials into product prototypes and scalable manufacturing workflows.
Quality Control, Testing & Progress:
- Implement and refine testing protocols to ensure all materials meet high standards of quality, durability, and consistency before full-scale production.
- Manage multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of R&D and client objectives.
- Set and manage development road maps, project timelines, and reporting to ensure smooth execution.
- Weekly communicate with CTO/CEO regarding development status, sharing observations, feedback and discussing progress.
Sustainability Focus:
- Develop and apply strategies to enhance the sustainability of the material development process.
- Optimize the environmental impact and efficiency of the entire material production cycle.
- Ensure all materials and processes comply with industry standards and environmental regulations.
- Stay abreast of updates in industry regulations and certifications.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven industry experience (3-5 years) in biopolymers (chitosan, latex, cellulose, etc.) and material development. (Sustainable and mycelium-based materials is a plus.)
- Experience with and knowledge of adhesion/adhesives
- Experience with plasticizers is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of material testing methods, characterization techniques, and quality control procedures.
- Project management experience with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A proactive approach to sustainability and innovation in material design.
- Experience working with cross-functional development teams.
- Strong communication and presentation skills to report findings and collaborate with various teams.
- Knowledge of current industry regulations, environmental standards, and sustainability practices.
- Clear spoken and written communication in English (Dutch is not mandatory)
- Ability to work in Amersfoort, the Netherlands (must have Netherlands EU visa or citizenship).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful enhance existing materials of MYCOTEX and PARYCEL to adapt for new applications.
- In partnership with microbiologist develop a road map for new biobased materials against predetermined specifications,
- Physically develop new materials for the automated production method meeting market and client needs,
- Ensure all materials are documented for patent applications.
Our offer: full-time
- Join the leading cutting-edge, award-winning biotech startup in the Netherlands.
- Freedom to develop your own working methods and processes.
- Full-time job (40 hours / week) in an informal setting
- Collaborative and energetic small team.
- A hardworking and dedicated environment with numerous challenges.
- Opportunity to drive meaningful change through innovative processes and product.
Interested? Please fill in the form below to apply.
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