Polymer Chemist (Biopolymers & Functionalization)

Polymer Chemist – Biopolymers & Functionalisation @ BacAlt

BacAlt is hiring a hands-on polymer scientist to design, functionalise, and characterise next-gen biopolymers (bacterial cellulose, PGA, chitosan, alginates) for sustainable materials and cosmetic formulations.

Mid Senior-level role | MSc/PhD | 2-6 yrs exp | On-site Your City, India | ₹14-24++ LPA CTC

Please fill the following "Getting to know you" form:

https://forms.gle/PAe8XtZA9UZV76bf8

Role Summary

- Design and modify biopolymers such as bacterial cellulose, poly-γ-glutamic acid, chitosan, and alginates to achieve targeted properties like rheology, adhesion, and barrier functions.

- Develop functionalisation strategies including grafting, crosslinking, esterification, click-type ligation, and ionic complexation.

- Establish structure-property relationships through experimental design, and validate with analytical techniques such as NMR, GPC, rheometry, and TGA.

- Integrate biopolymers into real product applications, troubleshoot performance issues, and collaborate across product and microbiology teams.

- Document experiments, support IP generation, and assist with scale-up processes.

Required Qualifications

- MSc or PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.

- 2–6 years of R&D experience in polymer synthesis and modification, with expertise in biopolymers or hydrogel systems.

- Proven track record of translating polymer concepts into functioning prototypes with quantifiable outcomes (such as yield, stability, or mechanical improvements).

Preferred Experience

- Experience with biopolymers like bacterial cellulose, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, and protein-based materials.

- Familiarity with click-type and carbodiimide coupling chemistries for hydrophilic polymers.

- Start-up experience with high ownership, adaptability, and bias for action.

- Rheology and structure-property analysis expertise in complex formulations (personal care, coatings, biomaterials).

Demonstrable Outcomes

- Candidates should be ready to discuss 1–3 case studies showing successful progression of biopolymer products from concept to prototype and problem-solving in polymer chemistry.