We’re on a journey to Grow the Future of Materials. How? By unlocking the unique properties of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Our patented technology, Fine Mycelium™, unleashes a new class of materials crafted from nature, engineered for performance, and built for a resilient future. We’re seeking passionate learners to join us in pioneering a materials revolution and creating an epic place to work.
MycoWorks offers competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all our employees. We root our relationships with our partners and one another in our core values: Be Mycelial, Cultivate Quality, and Grow the Future, and we're committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. Women, gender expansive individuals, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Summary:
MycoWorks is seeking a Tanning Chemist to join our team in Igualada, Spain. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and implementing new tanning processes applicable to the Fine Mycelium™ technology to meet performance requirements. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will contribute your technical knowledge to enhance product performance, innovation, and sustainability.
This role will work closely with the product development team, receive support from upstream tech development, and top finishing teams in the design and execution of experiments. The role reports to the Director of Product Development.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, improvement, and optimization of wet-end processes to achieve consistent and high-quality products.
- Utilize your comprehensive understanding of chemistry and tanning techniques to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.
- Define and monitor key process parameters to ensure the desired performance and quality attributes provided by the product manager.
- Collaborate with suppliers to source and evaluate raw materials for tanning, ensuring they meet quality and sustainability standards.
- Conduct research to innovate and introduce environmentally friendly and sustainable tanning methods.
- Perform rigorous testing and analysis of leather samples to ensure they meet industry and internal specifications.
- Collaborate with the design and product development teams to provide technical insights on Reishi characteristics and possibilities.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies related to wet-end chemistry.
- Execute technology transfer to internal and external partners as needed, guiding them on best practices, techniques, and safety protocols.
- Maintain accurate documentation of processes, research findings, and quality control measures.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to contribute to product development strategies and initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in leather tanning, with a strong background in tanning chemistry and process optimization is strongly preferred.
- Proven expertise in selecting appropriate tanning agents, chemicals, and additives for desired leather properties.
- Knowledge of quality control procedures and testing methodologies specific to leather products.
- Familiarity with environmental and sustainability considerations in leather tanning processes.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex issues related to leather quality and production.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration and technical reporting.
- Proficient in using laboratory equipment and software relevant to leather testing and analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines effectively.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish. French is a plus.
- Experience working in cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Google Drive.
- Ability to operate with incomplete information and implicit instruction.
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In our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we recognize the importance of accommodating individual needs. If you require any specific accommodations during the application or interview process, please feel free to let us know. We are dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and accessible experience for all candidates, and will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
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What We Do
We create materials at the intersection of art, nature and biotechnology using mycelium, one of the earth’s most regenerative resources. Our mission is to create a platform for the highest quality materials using Fine Mycelium™. Our first product, Reishi™ offers our partners in fashion an option for leather that is neither animal nor plastic, yet uncompromising in quality and aesthetic expression. Today, our team is growing in order to scale and deliver Reishi to an even broader range of partners in fashion, footwear and beyond. Together, we’re working towards a world where mycelium enables resilient, creative solutions for any industry dependent on animal and petroleum-derived products. Founded by artists and innovators, MycoWorks is building an inclusive, mission-driven team of people, and a culture where all employees belong. We are passionate learners who are proud of the breakthrough materials we’re bringing to the world. Join our growing team, and let’s grow the future of materials.
