Materials Scientist
6 - 10 years
Buffalo, NY
Full-time
Onsite
1 month ago
About the role
Our client is seeking a hands-on Material Scientist to lead formulation and chemistry development efforts for advanced biopolymer systems, supporting the transition from laboratory research to scalable production.
This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about designing and scaling bio-composites and polymer structures — not just characterizing them. The position offers the opportunity to work on innovative bio-based material technologies within a collaborative and fast-paced R&D environment.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Preferred Backgrounds
Candidates with experience in the following areas will be highly preferred:
Ideal Candidate Profile
Compensation & Benefits
This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about designing and scaling bio-composites and polymer structures — not just characterizing them. The position offers the opportunity to work on innovative bio-based material technologies within a collaborative and fast-paced R&D environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead formulation development and chemistry optimization for proprietary biopolymer systems
- Design, develop, and scale bio-composites and polymer structures from lab to production environments
- Conduct hands-on experimentation related to rheology, crosslinking, phase behavior, and material performance
- Develop scalable processing methods and manufacturing approaches for bio-based materials
- Optimize formulations for functionality, stability, manufacturability, and commercial scalability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, and product development
- Analyze material behavior and translate laboratory findings into production-ready solutions
- Maintain technical documentation, experimental records, and process data
- Support pilot-scale production activities and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline
- Minimum 2+ years of industry experience in formulation development or applied chemistry
- Strong hands-on laboratory and formulation development experience
- Deep knowledge of:
- Biopolymer rheology
- Crosslinking chemistry
- Cellulose chemistry
- Polymer phase behavior
- Experience scaling formulations from R&D to pilot or production stages
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design capabilities
Preferred Backgrounds
Candidates with experience in the following areas will be highly preferred:
- Industrial R&D
- Food science / hydrocolloids
- Personal care formulation
- Bio-based materials startups
- Sustainable materials development
- Polymer composites and advanced material systems
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Hands-on scientist with strong formulation and process development capability
- Passionate about sustainable and bio-based material innovation
- Comfortable working in fast-paced R&D and pilot-scale environments
- Strong problem-solving mindset with ability to bridge research and manufacturing
- Excited to contribute to commercialization of next-generation material technologies
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Equity participation
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge sustainable material technologies
- High-impact role within an innovative and growing environment
Skills
Technology, Information and Internet