Lead Researcher

What is the role:

We are seeking a Lead Researcher to enhance our filtration’s efficacy and advance lab analysis protocols.

You are expected to start the role no later than June.1st, 2024.

Your Responsibilities:

• Optimize analysis protocols for water samples
• Lead the research of filter advancement in terms of composition, and geometry, and conduct verification tests
• Work with the research team and external collaborators to collect and analyze sample data
• Work with external collaborators for publications
• Participate in client meetings for technical support
• Develop a data collection and sharing protocol to consolidate data with other researchers in the field

Hard Requirements:

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bio-engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, or Environmental Engineering
• 5 years working in a wet lab
• Excellent communication skills, with English language speaking, writing, and presentation skills being a must.
• Prior work experience in a research-track position, 2 recommendation letters required
• Work on-site in our lab in Princeton, NJ (car ownership highly recommended )

Who are we looking for:

• We value “T-shaped” people.

That is, people who are both generalists (highly skilled at a broad set of valuable things—the top of the T) and also experts (among the best in their field within a narrow discipline—the vertical leg of the T). This recipe is important for success at PolyGone. We often have to pass on people who are very strong generalists without expertise, or vice versa. An expert who is too narrow has difficulty collaborating. A generalist who doesn’t go deep enough in a single area ends up on the margins, not contributing as an individual.

• Leadership Qualities

We encourage young professionals to be leaders in their early careers. We look for individuals who have the ambition, passion, and ability to guide the R&D of PolyGone. We want to work with someone who not only focuses on their own work but also can offer insights into general business development; is diligent (and sometimes obsessive) and can also train and oversee younger professionals to similar standards; persistent with their direction despite being doubt by others; curious about new realms and are willing to take all initiatives to get there.

• Personalities

Skills and experience are not the only qualities that we look for in PolyGone. We want to be able to develop a trusting working relationship. Here are some qualities that we highly value:

• High-energy and optimistic
• Funny (sometime goofy)
• Responsible
• Diligent
• Efficient
• Proactive
• Quick and clear in communications
• Passionate about the mission

Here are some red flags that we try to avoid:

• Unclear or slow in communication
• Only care about their work and do not want to learn about other parts of the business
• Expect work assignments from senior team members all the time
• Not proactive in new research directions or is afraid of learning new skills independently
• Inflexible, such as not willing to accommodate other’s availabilities or rejecting an idea too quickly before thinking about alternatives
• Negative about the company’s development
• Cannot multitask

What do we offer:

• Competitive salary subject to experience and qualifications
• Leadership to highly motivated junior team members
• Work authorization support
• Fringe benefits including health insurance
• Opportunities to learn about and become involved in marketing strategies, early-stage fundraising processes, transforming design and technology into commercialized products

More information can be found here: https://polygonesystems.com/lead-researcher