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ABOUT US

Modern Synthesis is a venture-backed start-up crafting the next generation of biomaterials by connecting the dots between biology, material science and design.

We’re on a mission to create sustainable materials which reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on petrochemicals - without sacrificing performance or creativity.

Our first material, which is grown by bacteria, is fully biodegradable and astonishingly strong.

You can read more about it on our website.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe that disruptive innovation happens when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide.

As a team of material scientists, biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, robots and microbes, we get to innovate on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome ️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.

In line with this, we’re committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within both our organisation and the wider bioeconomy. The way we see it, a diverse and inclusive team is greater than the sum of its parts allowing for greater innovation to take place.

We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary & pension plan
• Private health insurance including dental
• 25 days leave + 3 day winter shutdown and UK bank holidays
• Brand New Facility including Lab Space in London
• Dog friendly office
• Interdisciplinary team with opportunities for learning and growth
• Flexible working subject to agreement
• Enhanced Parental Leave Policy
• Support from world leading experts and advisors
• Regular Company events
• Real world, positive impact

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are excited to be looking for a highly experienced, strategic, decisive and forward-thinking Technologist to take us to the next stage of our evolution as we scale our business from pilot stage to manufacturing. This will be a key role within the organisation, reporting to the CTO to manage our manufacturing technology and lead the way to full production scale.

You will lead a growing multidisciplinary team of 3 (we expect this team to at least double in size over the next 12 months) within Production and Engineering, responsible for strategic decision making, team hiring and development, and ongoing adherence to project timelines and quality metrics. You will use the incredible work that the core team has done over the last 2 years to build and develop our processes and technology, ensuring we continue to innovate whilst maximising our productivity.

You believe in best practice and will make critical business decisions in line with our company goals. You will ensure that we remain focused on our strategic mission, while ensuring we retain our internal focus on having a diverse, inclusive and innovative team.

You will be a champion for Modern Synthesis, supporting cutting edge R&D and academic collaborations to develop the future of biomaterial technologies.

As we are searching globally to find the best candidate for this role, we are able to sponsor a UK work visa if necessary. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, with a view to hire within the first half of 2023.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Own the business’s long-term Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, working closely and collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure alignment and progress

• Plan, resource and lead collaborative engineering development projects

• Use your extensive experience to work with your team on design of experiments, data analysis, interpretation and documentation

• Develop and implement technologies and equipment to improve the production process with a focus on sustained long-term competitive advantage

• Hire, inspire and lead; build an exceptional technical culture, attracting and retaining a diverse group of high performing scientists and engineers

• Responsible for adherence to health & safety and environmental matters, leading change initiatives to constantly be improving and performing in these areas

• In collaboration with the CTO, lead IP development for successful scale up for technologies

• Use your existing knowledge to support techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessments of the company’s processes

• Negotiate joint Development, Supply or Manufacturing Agreements and support development projects with leading fashion brands to develop new performance materials

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and support customer interactions; incorporate stakeholder feedback to inform technical activities

ABOUT YOU

We welcome applicants that don’t necessarily tick all the boxes. If you feel that you tick most of them and are willing to learn the rest, we encourage you to apply.

• 
  Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Process Engineering or similar
• Significant previous relevant Biotechnology Industry experience (at least 10 years) leading significant change; a proven track record of success in ambitious technical projects including scaling up a technology
• Experience with pilot and demo scale material production processes in a similar space
• Demonstrable multidisciplinary team leadership experience, driving high performance
• Excellent network within the European RTO space that can support biotechnology development and scale up
• Experience in IP strategies for scaling up technologies
• Comfortable with rapid innovation cycles and constant growth that comes with working in a startup - proactive and flexible to take on new tasks and challenges
• Experience/working knowledge in lean/agile manufacturing methodologies
• Passion for sustainability and impact

Beneficial experience:

• Expertise in textile production processes at a range of scales
• Experience with scaling up roll to roll processes
• Experience with fermentation processes
• Knowledge of cellulose material science and chemistries
• Knowledge of textile chemistries and finishing
• Design and sourcing of pilot and demo scale equipment
• Experience writing grant and patent applications

OUR HIRING PROCESS

Round 0. Apply online with CV and cover letter (or alternative format introduction to yourself, like a video)

Round 1. 30 minute exploratory interview with the hiring manager where we’ll explore your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis.

Round 2. 1 hour skills interview with members of the Technology and Engineering teams, where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. Questions and topics that will be the focus of the interview will be shared 1 week prior to the interview date.

Round 3. A 1 hour interview with our CEO, CTO and Chief of Staff, where we will get to know you as a leader and influencer

Round 4. A 1 hour final in-person interview at our South West London facility, where you will meet some key team members. We will give you a tour of our lab, and then ask that you present on a prepared topic to a multidisciplinary panel, followed by a chat to ask you some further technical questions and ensure that we are the best technical and cultural fit for each other.

We recognise recruitment is not one-size-fits-all and we're happy to tailor this process to better meet the needs of individual applicants. Please email [email protected] with any requests for support.