Your mission
Develop and scale up polycondensation processes for our novel polyester-based plastics to enable production at a world-scale plant of over 100 kt/a.
Build and refine end-to-end polycondensation processes (kg-scale batch and tonne-scale continuous), starting from the dosing of monomers and catalysts and the addition of processing aids (e.g. rheology modifiers and stabilisers), proceeding through several polymerisation stages, and finishing with the production of the final polymer pellet.
Identify bottlenecks and technical challenges through lab-scale screening experiments. Overcome these and implement fixes to optimise the polycondensation procedure.
Perform techno-economic assessments, process simulations, and mass and energy balance calculations in order to identify the ideal polycondensation process.
You will work alongside seasoned polymer chemists and engineers, as well as training a team of technicians in the practical aspects of process engineering.
Prepare technical reports and patent disclosures and contribute to peer-reviewed publications where appropriate.
Ensure SHEQ and sustainability standards are met in all laboratory, pilot and production activities, with a focus on HAZOP analysis and process safety.