Join us in shaping the future of materials!
We are a fast-growing startup from ETH Zurich, pioneering sustainable biomaterials made from microorganisms. We're on a mission to replace petroleum-based additives with high-performance, renewable alternatives. If you're passionate about materials innovation and want to make a real-world impact, this role is for you.
We are looking for a creative and hands-on Polymer Chemist with Formulation Expertise to join our growing team. In this role, you will play a key part in developing and optimizing innovative, bio-based formulations for various applications ranging from coatings, paints, and adhesives to cosmetics and textiles.
This is not a routine lab job. You will be inventing at the edge of material science—prototyping, testing, and iterating formulations that push performance boundaries while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. You'll design and implement chemical strategies to modify and functionalize surfaces, improving compatibility, stability, and material performance across various end-use systems.
We're seeking someone who is not only technically excellent but also thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. If you're excited by the idea of helping shape the future of sustainable materials from the ground up, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
We are seeking a curious and driven scientist with a strong background in polymer chemistry, formulation engineering, and surface modification. You have hands-on experience developing and optimizing water-based systems such as coatings, adhesives, or cosmetics, and the ability to tailor material properties through chemical design. Your expertise enables you to translate complex chemistry into scalable, application-ready solutions—especially in bio-based or cellulose-rich systems. You thrive in interdisciplinary teams and are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fast-moving, mission-driven startup.
We are looking for a scientist with strong fundamentals and hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas. While direct experience with cellulose or nanocellulose is a plus, scientists with solid backgrounds in chemistry, polymer synthesis, or formulation science are well-positioned to succeed in this role.
Deep understanding of polymer structure-property relationships, crosslinking mechanisms, and behavior in solution. Experience with functionalization of biopolymers or synthetic polymers, and the ability to design materials for specific performance attributes.
Development and optimization of water-based formulations (e.g., coatings, adhesives, cosmetics, or food systems). Familiarity with emulsions, suspensions, rheology modifiers, and colloidal interactions.
Knowledge of modifying material surfaces for improved compatibility in multi-phase systems. Experience with chemical grafting, functional coatings, or tailoring surface energy.
Skilled in techniques such as FTIR, NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, XPS, microscopy, and rheometry to assess composition, structure, and behavior of complex systems.
Understanding of flow behavior, shear-thinning, gelation, and thixotropy in polymer and particle-based suspensions. Familiarity with electrostatic and steric stabilization mechanisms.
Ability to plan and analyze experimental campaigns to optimize formulations and processes. Comfortable working across lab and pilot scales.
We offer a key role in a fast-moving, purpose-driven startup, working on hands-on projects at the forefront of material science with space to advance your career as we explore new application frontiers. You'll enjoy flexibility in your work setup and the support of a motivated team driven by impact and innovation.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:
For further information, please contact Mr. Adam Korczak, CEO & co-founder of Treeless AG, at adam@treeless.tech (no application documents).
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland