Lead Scientist (Cofounder Track)

This is a remote position. The Role We’re looking for aLead Scientistwho can spearhead our R&D efforts across material science, binder chemistry, and performance optimization of natural fiber composites. You’ll work closely with the founding team to drive innovation from lab to market — and help define the scientific DNA of the company. This is not just a job. It’s an invitation to helpbuild a science-first materials companyfrom the ground up — with a path to co-founder equity for the right person. What You’ll Do - Lead R&D onbiobased composites, with a focus on straw-based panel products - Develop, test, and optimizebinders/resins(formaldehyde-free, bio-based alternatives) - Run experiments, design testing protocols, and analyze mechanical, thermal, acoustic properties - Own partnerships with labs, research institutes, and testing facilities (BIS, NABL, etc.) - Translate research into scalable pilot-line production processes - Collaborate with operations and product teams to bring innovations to market - Build and lead the science team over time You Might Be a Fit If You - Have3–7 yearsexperience inmaterial science / chemical engineering / polymer science, ideally with a PhD or master’s degree - Have worked onnatural fiber composites, bio-based binders/resins, or panel products - Are comfortable inlab + factory environments— you think in experiments, but build for the real world - Want to work in amission-driven startup, with autonomy, responsibility, and impact - Are a problem-solver, quick learner, and love getting your hands dirty (literally) - Have published research or patents — bonus Why This Role is Special - Co-founder track: This is a core team role with significant ownership and upside - Impact: Directly contribute to reducing deforestation, carbon emissions, and crop burning - Freedom to innovate: Build your own lab, team, and research roadmap - Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Work with builders, designers, architects, and sustainability experts Compensation - Competitive salary + performance incentives - Significantequity with co-founder vesting track - Support for conferences, journals, and lab collaborations - Work with a passionate team building for people and the planet Originally posted on Himalayas