Lab Scientist

Who are we: 

PolyGone is a Princeton spinout environmental startup dedicated to combating one of the world’s most urgent and threatening pollutants: microplastics. 

Established in 2021, our team has developed the world's first affordable, portable, and environmentally friendly microplastic sequestration device, designed to operate effectively in diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and effluent streams. We provide comprehensive solutions for microplastic sampling, monitoring, and remediation.

PolyGone is featured in major media channels such as Forbes, Shenzhen TV, and Nasdaq. Led by two Forbes 30 Under 30 fellows, our team is engaging in exciting projects within lakes, rivers, and wastewater facilities. We are active players in pursuing cutting-edge technologies aimed at removing trillions of microplastic pollutants from our waterways. 

We invite passionate professionals to join us on our journey towards a plastic-free future!

What is the role:

We are seeking a full-time scientist to enhance our filtration’s efficacy and advance lab analysis protocols. 

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 New Brunswick, 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

How to apply:

• Email your CV with a short letter of intent to info@polygonesystems.com
• Email title: Job Application_Scientist
• Fill in this application form: https://forms.gle/yqdm8tvco337TzSN7

• Deadline: 10/15/2025