Lignocellulose Scientist

Location: Verschuren Centre, Sydney, Nova Scotia

Agapyo has created a better polymer resin that can achieve cost parity with petroplastics and help to solve the global microplastics crisis. At Agapyo, we are committed to combatting plastic waste by developing innovative and compostable alternatives to our everyday plastic needs. Agapyo is expanding the capabilities of its lignocellulosic product. We are hiring the candidate to work at the Verschuren Centre to build a deep, fundamental understanding of our meltable wood. The Verschuren Centre Inc. is an independent clean technology development and deployment facility.

What you’ll get to do:

• Develop hypotheses and design appropriate tests to validate them.
• Design, develop, and conduct experiments/formulations for optimisations of material properties.
• Design and conduct necessary testing and analysis.
• Independently prepare SOPs/batch record, data acquisition, analysis, rigorous documentation with the company electronic lab notebook system.
• Prepare data for internal and external communications.
• Work with the team to identify product/process improvements.
• Observe and promote all lab and occupational health and safety practices.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory and workstation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Eligibility:

• A PhD or MSc with two years hands on-experience in Polymer Chemistry or related. Rheology and polymer processing experience is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of cellulose acetate and similar materials and research is an asset.
• Understanding of how structure affects function.
• Interest and knowledge of QA standards and procedures.
• Familiar with laboratory operations, maintenance of specialized analytical equipment and instrumentation, and occupational health and safety of laboratory environments.
• Good communication and strong organization skills with the ability to work independently, and as a member of a team in a fast-paced, creative work environment.
• Excellent written, presentation, and computer skills.