Pilot Plant Operator/Lab Technician

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Immaterial is a porous materials specialist founded in 2015 from research done at the University of Cambridge to commercialise a proprietary monolithic morphology that provides a step-change in the performance of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

MOFs are a class of nanoporous materials comprised of metal ions and organic linkers. They are modular, meaning both metal and linker can be switched with hundreds of alternatives, enabling precise modification of properties such as pore size, surface chemistry and stability.

Until now, MOFs have seen limited industrial adoption due to their prohibitive form factors. Immaterial’s patented morphology, the ‘monolith’, overcomes this hurdle, unlocking the huge potential of these exceptional materials for the world to use.

Immaterial is leading the development, scale-up, and commercialisation of monolithic MOFs across a range of applications – from spacecraft life support to next-generation electric vehicles.

Our goal is to realise the full potential of MOFs, one the most significant material classes of the 21st century, and develop world changing technologies unlocked by our materials’ remarkable properties.

We are expanding and excited to offer the opportunity to join our team. For further information on Immaterial, our technology, and on-going work please visit us at www.immaterial.com.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Pilot Plant Operator/Lab Technician who will play a vital role in running the laboratory and operating and maintaining the pilot equipment.

You will be the lead operator and equipment owner responsible for the running, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our pilot plant equipment, which includes a multi-vessel reactor system, a new-to-the-world drying-manifold system, and multiple centrifuges.

In addition to this, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of the laboratory/pilot plant. We have a team of 8 researchers (PhD chemists and engineers) doing fundamental chemistry and pilot-scale chemical engineering research. You will manage lab logistics in order to allow everyone to work as effectively as possible.

In addition, you would be the Lab Technician, essentially ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the lab. In this role, you would create and run systems to manage raw-material supplies, waste disposal, housekeeping, good work practices, etc.

When you have demonstrated a full understanding of the system and the laboratory, we would envisage you also helping with some of the safety-related tasks in the pilot plant and laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As Pilot-Plant Operator, you will:

• Manage and deliver the production schedule for pilot-plant production batches;
• Support the execution of pilot-scale process development trials;
• Document plans for all pilot-plant trials and run risk analysis for new trials where appropriate;
• Maintain the equipment in great condition (schedule maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, etc.);
• Work with suppliers and experts to design, test, procure, and install new equipment;
• CQV testing of new equipment;
• Procure, store, and handle all the raw materials needed for production and pilot trials;
• Manage logistics of packing and shipment of finished products to clients where appropriate;
• Dispose of waste materials following our waste-disposal procedures;
• Ensure that equipment, raw materials, space, etc. are available for scheduled activities;
• Keep the pilot-plant clean and ready for use.

As Lab Technician, you will:

• Manage sourcing, storing and tracking of raw materials and finished products;
• Manage waste-disposal;
• Manage gas cylinders, cryogenic liquids;
• Manage regular maintenance and calibration, and exceptional troubleshooting for equipment.

REQUIREMENTS

• A scientific degree or equivalent which involved significant practical work.
• Experience working in a factory, lab, or pilot plant environment. Experience working in a chemistry lab and/or a pilot plant is preferred.
• Deep understanding of and respect for safe working.
• Attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with a range of new software and with MS office tools.
• Good communication skills, strong collaboration skills.
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership, action-oriented attitude.
• Familiarity with and experience working with plant or pilot plant equipment (pumps, valves, tanks, pipes, …) is a strong bonus, but not a requirement.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV and cover letter to c.camur@immaterial.com

Applications will be considered on receipt, with interviews occurring on a rolling basis until the position is filled.