Research & Development Scientist

Description

World Centric is a manufacturer of compostable food service packaging, with a research center in Stone Mountain, GA. World Centric is a highly mission driven company that seeks to have a meaningful impact on people and planet through our compostable products and the donation of 25% of profits to the most vulnerable in the world. For more information on working and life at World Centric, please visit our website.

We are looking for research scientists who can apply their knowledge and experience to create sustainable products to address real world problems. Currently our focus is on creating novel packaging solutions to replace current plastic products using ligno-cellulosic materials, polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic biopolymer compostable materials. Ideally we could replace all the plastic used currently in packaging with sustainable materials.

As part of the application process, if you can please submit a few lines as to how you would use your research for creating sustainable products to address real world issues in packaging or other areas. Individuals with experience in biomaterials, biopolymers, bioplastics, natural fibers and biocomposites are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

• Research and formulation of novel sustainable material substrates, coatings, films derived from natural polymers, polysaccharides, agriculture waste, food waste, plant based resources (e.g. waste protein, lignin, vegetable oils, ligno-cellulosic waste etc) for packaging.
• Conduct research independently (from the conception and planning to execution of a research idea) and also function as a part of team
• Keep up with scientific and patent literature and apply these to research
• Maintain and expand the knowledge of research and materials focus.
• Communicate ideas, results, opportunities and recommendations to R&D and Engineering team.
• Work with engineers for prototyping and manufacturing of products.

Requirements

• Experience with structure-property-function of carbohydrate polymers, protein, lipid, natural fibers, inorganic materials and other biopolymers
• Hands-on experience with synthesis, modification and characterization methodology
• Experience with processing techniques and equipment - extrusion, compression, injection, thermoforming, etc. a plus
• Focus on applied research vs basic research to produce products and materials for market sales. Ability to work with process engineers and manufacturing engineers on how to scale lab processes for pilot and full scale production.

We are also specifically looking for candidates in the areas of:

Starch Technology

• Outstanding track record of starch-based materials development
• Hands-on experience with native starches, modified starches, thermoplastic starches and their composites
• Hands-on experience with starch processing techniques and equipment - extrusion, compression molding, injection molding, thermoforming, etc.

Coating Technology

• Outstanding track record of coating materials development (preferably for lignocellulosic and natural surfaces)
• Hands-on experience with biodegradable coatings to provide oxygen/water/oil barrier properties
• Hands-on experience with surface chemistry and modifications of packaging materials
• Experience with the methodology and equipment used for coating materials in the packaging industry: dispersion, emulsification, film extrusion, lamination, gravure coating, plasma coating, spray coating, dip coating, vapor deposition etc.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science with 4+ years of relevant experience is preferred.
• Experience creating novel starch/fiber/biopolymer based materials
• Preparation of reports, patents and papers
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience scaling from lab to production is a plus
• Hands on and resourceful in accessing information, materials, chemicals, equipment needed for research.