Chemist

UNCAGED Innovations; City of White Plains (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Collaborative work environment

Hands-on experience across R&D and production

Job summary

A pioneering biomaterial innovation company is seeking a skilled Chemist to join its dynamic R&D team in White Plains. This mid-senior level position focuses on developing plant-derived elastomer formulations. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in water-based polymer formulations and be proactive in a fast-paced startup environment. The role offers competitive compensation and the chance to impact sustainable materials significantly.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in polymer formulations.
• Experience with fabric finishing or surface treatment technologies.
• Confidence in representing company standards with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D on plant-derived elastomer formulations.
• Design and analyze experiments for product optimization.
• Collaborate with external manufacturing partners for production.

Skills

Knowledge of water-based polymer formulations

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Experience with coated textiles

Ability to work in R&D and manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Analytical methods (rheology, FTIR, DSM)

Laboratory equipment for testing

Job description

Uncaged Innovations Inc. is a pioneering biomaterial innovation company dedicated to creating sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chemist to join our dynamic R&D team. This role is ideal for a hands‑on, mid‑to‑senior‑level chemist who thrives in a fast‑paced startup environment and is eager to work across lab development, pilot trials, and full‑scale manufacturing.

Job Description

As the Chemist, you will be responsible for driving the development, optimization, and scale‑up of our plant‑derived elastomer formulations and coating systems for Uncaged’s innovative biomaterials. This position requires a balance of scientific rigor, production expertise, and practical problem‑solving. You will report directly to the CTO & Co-Founder and collaborate closely with our manufacturing partners, both domestic and international, as well as engage directly with key clients to ensure technical excellence and production success.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts on coated fabric formulations and systems, including natural polymer adhesive coatings, water‑based polymer coatings and synthetic dispersions.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to develop new sustainable coatings and optimize existing ones.
• Oversee the full product development cycle — from laboratory research to pilot runs and full‑scale manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot material and process challenges at all stages of production to ensure performance and consistency.
• Collaborate with external manufacturing partners to translate formulations into scalable, repeatable processes.
• Serve as a technical liaison with key clients, addressing product performance, testing, and application feedback.
• Document experimental data, maintain formulation records, and contribute to technical reports or patent filings.
• Stay current with advances in next‑gen sustainable materials and sustainable coated fabrics technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience related to developing and improving water‑based polymer formulations, such as adhesives, coatings, and composites.
• Experience with coated textiles, fabric finishing, or surface treatment technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work across R&D and manufacturing environments, including pilot and full‑scale production.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface directly with clients and manufacturing partners.
• Confidence and professionalism when representing Uncaged with external stakeholders; able to stand firm and advocate for company standards when needed.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, startup environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of analytical methods such as rheology, tensile and peel testing, FTIR, DSC, and microscopy.
• Experience working with domestic and international manufacturing partners or suppliers.
• Understanding of sustainable material development and bio‑based chemistry.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to be part of a mission‑driven, innovative team shaping the future of sustainable materials.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on creativity, integrity, and impact.
• Hands‑on experience across R&D, production, and client collaboration.

Uncaged Innovations will consider all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology