Bioprocessing Lead
Biorefinery & Technical Lead
Location: Verschuren Center, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Employment Type: 1 year contract, full time, maternity leave
Start date: August 2026
About PhyCo
PhyCo is a B2B biomaterials company tackling plastic pollution in agriculture by developing earth-digestible, seaweed-based biomaterials through a proprietary biorefinery process. Our products are targeted to agriculture to help farmers save money on their operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.
We are a female-led, science-driven team working at the intersection of ocean innovation, sustainable materials, and climate solutions. We are looking for a team member who is curious, motivated, and passionate about solving complex, real-world problems through innovative science and applied research. We value diverse perspectives, collaborative work, and learning through experimentation. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
The Role
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive research lead to support PhyCo's research, pilot projects, partnerships, and day-to-day operations during a maternity leave coverage period. This position is based out of the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, with an in-person work arrangement. Our team works remotely across Canada, thus regular virtual collaboration, weekly team meetings, and clear communication are essential.
What You'll Do
Research & Project Coordination
• Leading the research, development, and optimization of the PhyCo’s seaweed-based biorefinery, bioplastic materials, formulations, and processing methods.
• Leading seaweed biorefinery process development and optimization from laboratory to pilot and pre-commercial scale.
• Managing biomass processing, extraction, troubleshooting and formulation.
• Overseeing scale-up, extrusion trials, and aseptic bioprocessing with shake flasks/fermenters
• Conducting material characterization and preparation for extrusion to produce bioplastic products.
• Handling data management and analysis of proprietary methods and results; maintaining the proper documentation in the company’s information management system.
• Developing protocols, SOPs, work plans, lab and pilot technical reports, quality control (QC) documentation.
• Coordinating lab assays, plant trials, pilot runs, and early-adopter testing.
• Ensuring IP compliance, confidentiality, and full lab/pilot documentation.
• Mentoring and training new staff/interns and supervising lab/pilot operations.
• Maintaining safety protocols and laboratory certification requirements (WHMIS, MSDS sheets, other on-site requirements, etc.).
Team & Culture
• Participate in weekly team meetings and provide regular project updates via email and communication channels
• Communicate proactively with team members and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven team environment.
Who You Are
• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Able to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Passionate about sustainability, climate solutions, and innovation, please name your CV [LastName]_PhyCo when applying
What We Offer
• Meaningful work at the intersection of climate technology, agriculture, and ocean innovation.
• Opportunity to work with a growing, interdisciplinary startup team.
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Professional development and hands-on experience across research, operations, and commercialization.
Required:
You are eligible to work in Canada.
Recommended but not required:
Access to a vehicle or mode of transport is not required but should be considered as work will be conducted at the Verschuren Center in Nova Scotia.
Deadline:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by June 21st, 2026 with a CV and cover letter.