Startup Job Board

Be part of the next big thing.
Explore career opportunities at innovative
startups in the U of T community.
companies
Jobs

Applications Engineer/Scientist (Chemistry)

Phycus Biotechnologies

Phycus Biotechnologies

IT
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Nov 26, 2025
The Applications Engineer is responsible for helping Phycus Biotechnologies develop new and novel product applications for its chemicals of interest. In this capacity, the Applications Engineering will work identify, develop, and evaluate new product chemistries. They will work closely with the business development team to advise on market opportunities. The role requires extensive knowledge of the practical application of materials science, engineering science and technology expertise and you will help develop new products by developing new chemistries. Application research and development experience in areas related to engineering plastics. Processing of polymeric materials by blending/compounding, extrusion, sheet production, fiber/non-wovens, etc. Development of new ester formulations.Responsibilities:1. Collaborates with colleagues within the functional team to achieve group goals, including support for technology projects, the manufacturing function, and customer inquiries2. Aware of the scope of other technical disciplines and how they interact within a given project3. Frequently uses general knowledge of industry practices, techniques, and standards4. Adapts existing methods and procedures to account for changes in input conditions or output requirements5. Represents team by verbally presenting information at the Department level6. May lead Technology Projects that have short-to-mid-term impact on the Technology Organization and support the goals and vision of the organization7. Documents work plans, results, analysis, and conclusions of tasks and small projects in an archiving system8. Identifies and secures support for small research topics under limited supervision9. Aware of breadth of operations and primary customers; has contact with Customers and is aware of their key business focus10. Interacts with instrument and laboratory equipment suppliers for routine maintenance or installation of new items11. Innovates to provide new solutions or knowledge extension for product application, process technology, and core capabilities of the company.Qualifications:1. Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.2. Must have knowledge of the practical application of materials science, engineering science and technology3. Up to 5 years of relevant industry or academic work experience in Rheological characterization of polymeric materials including thermoplastics and thermosets. Experience should include parallel plate rheometry, extensional rheometry, capillary rheometry, and dynamic mechanical analyses.4. Ability to read and understand the technical disclosure of patent literature, and works with Intellectual Property Manager to seek guidance from legal counsel on legal issues (e.g. patentability and non-infringement)5. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills6. Understands the plans for meeting the business strategy and objectives, and how it relates to daily activities7. Demonstrates speed and flexibility as appropriate in responding and adapting to changes8. Strong customer focus and service orientation with the ability to interact effectively with employees and vendors at all levels in a cross cultural setting9. Understands the plans for meeting the business strategy and objectives, and how it relates to daily activitiesAdditional Experience Preferred:Thermal characterization of materials using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), etc.Characterization of polymeric materials including transition temperatures and crystallization kinetics by DSC, crystal growth and morphology by optical microscopy, mechanical property testing for tensile strength (Instron), impact (Izod, Gardner, …), etc.Application research and development experience in areas related to engineering plastics. Processing of polymeric materials by blending / compounding, extrusion, sheet production, fiber/non-wovens, etc.Experience with computer-aided design/computer-aided engineering software such as SolidWorks