Microplastic Lab Analyst

Microplastic Lab Analyst

Application Deadline: 01/01/2026

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 Microplastic Lab Analyst to support our research efforts. This role focuses on assisting with microplastic sample collection and analysis, and providing hands-on support to enhance our filtration’s efficacy and maintain lab analysis protocols under the supervision of the lead scientist.

Your Responsibilities:

• Assist the lead scientist in microplastic sample collection and analysis
• Support the R&D team in the development and testing of our proprietary filter material in terms of composition and geometry
• Produce detailed lab reports of all analysis results for internal review and documentation
• Work with external collaborators for publications
• Attend meetings with the client for technical support
• Participate in site visits for sample collection, installation support and system monitoring
• Help implement the data collection and sharing protocol to consolidate data with other researchers in the field

Hard Requirements: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, or Environmental Engineering
• Recent graduate or 1-3 years of experience 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, 1 recommendation letter required
• Work on-site in our lab in New Brunswick, NJ (car ownership highly recommended )
• Have work authorization to work in the USA
• Must be able to start on June 1st 2026, an earlier starting date is preferred
   

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 (sometimes 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 others’ 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, and transforming design and technology into commercialized products

How to apply:

• Email your CV with 1 cover letter to info@polygonesystems.com, with the subject "Job Application_Microplastic Lab Analyst".
• Email 1 letter of recommendation from your reference to info@polygonesystems.com, with the subject "Recommendation Letter_Microplastic Lab Analyst".
• Fill in the application form: https://forms.gle/BmYgdqvhtvMkW98P7
• Deadline: 01/01/2026