Senior Research Scientist: Biopolymer Chemistry And Processing

Sustainability in fashion and textiles requires rethinking how raw materials are designed and produced. A circular industry needs alternatives to synthetic fibers and new ways to recover value from materials that would otherwise go to waste.

At Finiks Forge, we give protein waste new life as regenerated material for the textile industry. Drawing on biomolecular self-assembly, we develop materials that build on the remarkable properties of natural fibers. Our work is supported by a National Science Foundation SBIR award and partners across the textile supply chain.

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead the molecular and formulation science behind regenerated keratin materials across extraction, purification, formulation, and processing. This is a hands-on laboratory role for an independent scientist who can connect protein structure, molecular interactions, and formulation behavior to reproducible fiber properties.

The position is based on-site in Brooklyn, New York, and reports directly to the CEO.

What You Will Lead

- Design and execute independent research programs, lead the technology roadmap, and supervise an Associate Scientist responsible for controlled fiber-production trials and quantitative characterization.

- Develop keratin extraction, purification, modification, stabilization, and formulation protocols that preserve or control molecular structure while improving processability and fiber performance.

- Establish protein structure–formulation–process–property relationships linking molecular organization, intermolecular interactions, extraction conditions, and formulation parameters to spinnability, fiber morphology, stress–strain behavior, and wet stability.

- Scale processes from bench experiments to pilot batches, addressing mixing, heat and mass transfer, filtration, solvent recovery, process safety, and batch-to-batch reproducibility.

- Design comparative experiments that separate effects of protein structure, formulation, and spinning conditions;
use replicate fiber measurements, design of experiments, and statistical analysis to set priorities.

- Develop analytical methods and specifications for protein molecular properties, concentration, rheology, stability, and final fiber performance;
select methods that reveal causes of mechanical defects.

- Troubleshoot complex chemical and process failures, determine root causes, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.

- Contribute to invention disclosures, patent applications, trade-secret documentation, grant reporting, and technical presentations.

- Direct the Associate Scientist’s fiber-production trials: set experimental priorities, review spinning and stress–strain data, diagnose defects, and translate results into extraction and formulation decisions. Coordinate specialized scale-up work with external partners.

Required Qualifications

- PhD in chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering, biomaterials, materials science, or a closely related field, with relevant postdoctoral or industrial experience;
or a master's degree with substantial industrial R&D experience.

- Experience supervising or mentoring junior scientists and translating research objectives into clear experimental priorities.

- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and document chemistry or materials-development experiments.

- Hands-on expertise in protein or structural-biopolymer chemistry, including folding or higher-order structure, molecular interactions, solution preparation, formulation, modification, stabilization, and structure–property relationships.

- Hands-on experience with extraction, purification, filtration, concentration, solution preparation, and formulation of polymers, proteins, polysaccharides, or other complex macromolecules.

- Experience moving a chemical or materials process from laboratory proof of concept toward larger-scale, reproducible operation.

- Ability to investigate protein structure and molecular organization using fit-for-purpose analytical techniques and connect those measurements to rheology, fiber morphology, and tensile stress–strain behavior.

- Strong experimental reasoning, quantitative analysis, technical writing, organization, and project-management skills.

- Ability to work effectively in an early-stage company, make progress with incomplete information, and balance scientific rigor with development timelines.

Preferred Experience

- Hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge of structural biopolymers, such as keratin, silk fibroin, collagen, chitin, or chitosan.

- Experience collaborating with fiber-spinning teams and interpreting the effects of spinneret design, shear, coagulation, drawing, and post-processing on fiber properties;
direct wet-spinning experience is a plus.

- Highly concentrated polymer solutions, non-Newtonian rheology, formulation additives, and process stability.

- Membrane filtration, solvent or salt recovery, pressurized reactors, pilot equipment, or process-control systems.

- Technology transfer, external manufacturing partnerships, patent development, or federally funded R&D programs.

What We Offer

- A leadership role in developing a new circular materials platform from fundamental chemistry through pilot manufacturing.

- Base salary: $105,000-$135,000, based on experience, plus stock options.

- Health and wellness benefits.

How to Apply

Please send a CV or resume and a brief cover letter describing your relevant scientific and technology-development experience to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line "Senior Research Scientist."

• Finiks Forge, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.