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. If you decide that the role below could be a great fit for you, please be sure to include a cover letter detailing your interest in working for World Centric. For more information on working and life at World Centric, please visit our website .

World Centric is a leading manufacturer of compostable food service packaging, based in our new lab in Atlanta, GA. We are looking for an R&D Scientist to head efforts into the area of fiber, starch, biopolymer compostable materials & processes for packaging, films and coatings. This is a new role and will require someone who has a background in research science but also building and scaling operations.

Responsibilities

• Formulation and prototyping of material substrates, coatings, films derived from starches, agriculture waste, food waste or plant based resources (e.g. waste protein, lignin, vegetable oils, waste fiber/residues etc.)
• Formulation, prototyping and testing of natural fiber reinforced bio-composites for packaging

Experience Requirements

• Experience in surface analysis/modification, fiber-polymer adhesion for high loading fiber composites/substrates
• Experience with processing techniques and equipment - extrusion, compression, injection, thermoforming, etc.
• Experience working with a range of plant fibers, starches, natural additives, binders and biopolymers (PLA, PHA, PBSA, PBAT etc.)
• Experience in additives that improve the mechanical properties of films including gelling agents, plasticizers, colorants and/or nanoparticles that could be used in sustainable materials;
• Strong polymer chemistry analysis, synthesis and polymerization experience.
• Strong 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.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science with 2+ 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
• Hands on and resourceful in accessing information, materials, chemicals, equipment needed for research.

Other Requirements: Must be able to legally work in US and relocate to Rohnert Park, CA