Plastic Recycling Technician

Plastics are very useful materials, but their initial value to society becomes a massive burden at their end-of-life. We at MacroCycle believe that chemistry holds the key to solving the plastics crisis. Our proprietary process based on the synthesis of cyclic macromolecules (macrocycles) enables us to produce premium-grade plastic resin called “mPET” at >80% lower energy use than traditional processes, and can be fully electrified. Join us on our mission to make a cleaner and more circular environment for all!

Location: Cambridge, MA.

Position Overview:
MacroCycle is seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Plastic Recycling Lab Technician to lead the analysis of the company’s feedstocks, processes, and recycled products. This critical role will oversee most of the company’s analytical work, including operating key analytical tools, managing the resulting data, and clearly communicating findings to the broader team. This role will also lead projects complimentary to the core technology, enabling optimizations critical to lowering the cost of production. There will be ample of opportunities to learn about the plastic & textile recycling space, entrepreneurship, team work and Clean Tech!

This position will be working on the following tasks:

• Work closely with a team of Chemists and Chemical Engineers in the lab to understand and improve the MacroCycle process

• Lead analysis and characterization of plastic wastes (rigid packaging and polyester textiles) for impurity levels with a variety of analytical chemistry techniques

• Collaborate and communicate with external service providers

• Lead projects in process optimization

• Provide hands-on support for chemical reactions at the lab and pilot scale

• Critically analyze results and present findings at meetings

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of working in wet labs, and utilizing analytical equipment, ideally complemented by industry internships. Training will be provided to develop skills in either field as needed.

Desirable skills & knowledge include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, or Trade School Degree in biotechnology or wet lab operations

• 2+ years of experience in hands-on lab-based chemistry and analytical work in projects at school, university or internships or tech roles

• Ideally, but not required, up to 1-2 years bench/lab job experience in industry

• Familiar with at least 2 analytical techniques out of NMR, GPC, HS-GCMS, FTIR, ICP, DSC, TGA, XRF, colorimetry

• Excellent data communication and Excel & Powerpoint skills

• Excellent team player skills

• Excited to work in fast-paced environment at the intersection between engineering and entrepreneurship.

• Detail-oriented and meticulous with hands-on work

What we offer:

· 40 h/week mission-driven and collaborative work

· 3 + 1 week vacation policy

· Commuter Benefits

· Competitive and experience-guided compensation including equity

· Opportunity to shape a fast-growing startup company out of MIT with significant traction

· Relocation bonus >100 miles

· Energizing and refreshing work environment! Regular free team lunches.

· Access to an innovation and networking events in the vibrant Harvard/MIT area

· Premier medical and dental health Insurance