Chemist

About Level Nine

At Level Nine we leverage bionanotechnology and quantum chemistry to develop nextgeneration catalysts to enable the green chemicals of tomorrow.

Inspired by nature our nanozymes bridge the gap between traditional catalysts and enzymes to unlock new possibilities in green chemicals production. Our first nanozymes unlock new ways to costeffectively convert biomass into renewable chemicals replacing fossil fuels as the worlds primary chemical feedstock.

About the Role

We are looking for an ambitious and talented (analytical) chemist to join our team. Though we have a number of hard criteria (see below) we hire for attitude over aptitude. Were not just interested in what youve done but also why you think it was worth doing. The most important consideration for us in hiring for this position is that youre an ambitious and talented individual who is can get work done efficiently and effectively who relishes diving into a challenging problem and coming up with creative and unexpected solutions and who can demonstrate a high degree of curiosity creativity and drive. Lastly the ideal candidate will be comfortable working both independently and in a team and will have no problem managing multiple projects and priorities at the same time.

Tasks

• Assist in setting up and executing experiments related to lignin depolymerization polymer synthesis and chemical modification.
• Optimize reaction conditions including catalysts cofactors and variables such as temperature. Perform routine wet lab procedures and maintain equipment.
• Conduct purification of products using techniques such as chromatography precipitation recrystallization and liquidliquid extraction.
• Perform analysis to characterize reaction products and materials including: Spectroscopy (NMR FTIR UVVis); Chromatography (TLC SEC GCMS); Thermal/Mechanical Testing (DSC TGA rheology tensile/compressive strength). Analyze and interpret data using relevant software (e.g. MNOVA Origin Excel).
• Conduct risk assessments and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory activities.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering Materials Science or a related field. Solid understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry is a must. Knowledge of and experience with catalysis (design application or background) is a strong plus.

Knowledge & Experience

• Handson experience or knowledge of purification techniques such as chromatography recrystallization and liquidliquid extraction.
• Previous experience working with materials such as polyols resins foams adhesives elastomers or sealants (e.g. through academic projects internships or thesis work).
• Familiarity with polymerization techniques (e.g. stepgrowth freeradical or ringopening polymerization). Understanding of methods for chemical/physical polymer modification (e.g. adding reactive groups crosslinking endcapping).
• Reaction Optimization: Handson experience with optimizing reaction conditions. Familiarity with catalysts cofactors and reaction variables (e.g. temperature pressure ultrasonication) is a plus.
• Experience in key analytical techniques: Spectroscopy (NMR FTIR UVVis); Chromatography (TLC SEC GCMS); Thermal/Mechanical Analysis (DSC TGA rheology tensile/compressive strength tests (a plus).
• Familiar or experience in risk assessments and SOP writing for different lab practises

Other

• A European working visa is strongly preferred.

To apply please submit your CV along with 35 sentences about yourself and why youre interested in working at Level Nine. Please dont send us a standard cover letter instead please send a brief onetwo paragraph answer to the following questions:

• Whats the biggest risk youve ever taken and what did you learn from it
• What are you passionate about outside of work that makes you uniquely you
• If you could learn any new skill what would it be and why