Plastic Recycling Engineer/Chemist

Birch Biosciences is a startup company based in Portland, Oregon that is developing new technology for plastic recycling. Conventional recycling methods are expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable. We’re developing a new approach to recycling complex plastics using engineered enzymes and synthetic biology that is low cost, efficient, and importantly, reduces the environmental impacts of plastic. Global demand for plastic is expected to triple by 2050, so our plastic problem is only going to get worse unless we do something about it! We are seeking passionate individuals to join us in building a company dedicated to tackling the challenges of plastic waste and making a lasting impact on our community and our environment.

Position overview:

We are seeking a full-time Plastic Recycling Engineer/Chemist to join our team, who will play a pivotal role in developing and optimizing sustainable processes that will enable enzyme-mediated recycling of PET and other plastics at commercial scale. This work will span laboratory scale to pilot scale process development. The ideal candidate will be innovative, resourceful, and adept at multitasking. If you are a self-starter that thrives in the unique challenges of a scrappy startup setting, we invite you to apply and become part of our growing Birch team.

Responsibilities:

• Optimization of bio-enzymatic recycling process design using novel enzyme catalysts.
• Bench to reactor scale testing of process steps involved in our recycling process.
• Development and optimization of methods to enable efficient recovery and purification of recycled outputs.
• Design, experimentation, and analysis of findings to guide scalable process development.
• Collaborate closely with the Birch Biosciences technical staff and external advisors.

Qualifications:

• BSc, MSc, or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience directly related to the responsibilities of this position.
• Fundamental understanding of chemical processes such as: filtration, crystallization, chemical reactors, and distillation (ideally with experience designing and scaling up these chemical process steps).
• Mechanical and logistic skills (ability to order, assemble, and modify equipment)
• Expertise with analytical chemistry instrumentation (HPLC, MS, DSC, FTIR, etc.)
• Ability to project bench scale activities to integrated process consequences (identify risks, and mitigate them through design and planning).
• Experience in an industrial setting with specific unit operations
• Ability to clearly communicate with other teams, present results clearly, and respond effectively to changing priorities.
• Project planning experience, demonstrated ability to work with contractors/consultants, and/or experience managing direct reports.
• Demonstrated capability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for innovation and progress on our shared vision of sustainability.

Nice-to-haves (but not required):

• Experience with plastic polymer chemistry and plastic recycling
• Knowledgeable in the field of protein engineering and microbial fermentation

Compensation will be based on level of experience with requested qualifications.

Compensation and benefits at Birch Biosciences include:

• Base Salary and Equity
• Flexible Time Off policy
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

As 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.

If you don’t have all of the pre-requisite skills, experience or degrees, please send us an application—we’d love to evaluate your application and see if there is an opportunity for us to work together! 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.