Are you ready to actively shape the future of plastics and lead an interdisciplinary team in an innovative deep-tech startup? As a Polymer Team Lead (f/m/d) at aevoloop, you will drive the development and scale-up of next-generation, sustainable plastics from research to world-scale production. In this role, you will take ownership of strategy, team leadership, and the successful execution of exciting projects in polycondensation and polymer processing.

Tasks

• Lead, empower and further develop the interdisciplinary polymerisation team of chemists, engineers, and chemical and engineering technicians that develop the polymer formulation and polycondensation process. This includes liaising with external C(D)MOs and raw material suppliers while ensuring timelines, budgets, and risk management are met.
• Define and lead the strategy to prepare the production of our novel plastics on a 100+ kt/a world-scale production plant. Identify and work towards suitable intermediate upscale steps at batch and continuous scales.
• Develop a R&D strategy to determine key parameters for polymer and polymerisation development.
• Lead the development of polymer formulations and semi-finished product prototypes for a variety of processing technologies, including injection moulding, extrusion, film blowing, fibre spinning and 3D printing.
• Prepare technical reports and patent applications.
• Ensure that SHEQ and sustainability standards are upheld across all laboratory, pilot and production activities, including knowledge of REACH/CLP, LCA, recycling and end-of-life strategies.

Requirements

• Advanced expertise in polymer chemistry or chemical engineering in the field of polymers, with a particular focus on polycondensation and polyester-based materials. Ideally, you have a PhD in this field.
• 2-5 years of industrial job experience in the field of polycondensation, polymer processing, and polymer analytics.
• Hands-on experience of melt polycondensation on a kg-lab, t-pilot scale, and kt-commercial scale, including batch and continuous processes.
• Solid experience of polymer processing, including compounding, extrusion, injection molding and film blowing. Experience with plastic applications such as 3D printing filaments, fibres and packaging would be advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of analytical and characterisation methods: DSC, TGA, NMR, SEC, rheology, mechanical testing, end-group analysis and polymer ageing.
• Knowledge of polycondensate rheology and process simulation and experience with design of experiments models and process window determination. Experience with lab-to-pilot and production scale-up (kg → kt) including raw material and energy balancing.
• Proven skills in agile project management, C(D)MO/supplier coordination and patent screening and filing.
• Well-versed in regulatory topics (REACH/CLP), life cycle assessment (LCA), recycling, and end-of-life strategies.
• Proven leadership experience with direct personnel responsibility, ideally in a dynamic, interdisciplinary R&D environment. You know how to empower, develop, and motivate technical teams, set clear goals, provide feedback, and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• A strong track record of managing cross-functional projects and technical teams in industrial R&D settings and the successful scaling of polymerisation processes.
• Typically five years' industrial, post-academic job experience, with significant time spent in industrial R&D and a demonstrated ability to lead complex projects at the interface of chemistry, engineering and application.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); German language skills are advantageous.
• You bring a hands-on mindset, structure your work efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly across disciplines – even under the dynamics of a fast-paced start-up environment.

Benefits

• Pioneers in Next-Gen-Plastics – help redesign plastics for a truly circular economy.
• Mission & Values – curiosity, transparency and responsibility guide us daily.
• Startup Mentality – flat hierarchies, agile work and regular workshops.
• Fast Growth – steep learning curves, regular growth talks and plenty of room to scale your role with the company.
• Well-being Perks – Hansefit membership and fresh fruit boost your overall health and well-being.
• Team Spirit – interdisciplinary crew that challenges norms, enjoys regular team events and drives real innovation.
• Leipzig Hub – thrive in an emerging tech hotspot.
• Code of Conduct – integrity, fairness and inclusivity are non-negotiable.

We are aevoloop: A fast-scaling deep-tech startup pioneering Next-Gen-Plastics. Contrary to common belief, plastics remain indispensable where no alternative exists, from critical medical devices to protective gear. That’s why we re-engineer polymers from the ground up, merging the advantages of classic plastics — high-performance and versatile — with a new era of sustainability: turning plastic waste into new materials that are fully circular and biodegradable.

Our mission is clear: Plastics are vital for a liveable future, so we develop next-generation materials that enable a truly circular economy. As we achieve new milestones and drive innovation, we continuously expand our team and expertise — giving you the chance to grow your career alongside our impact.Our work is guided by five values: Pioneering, Conscientious, Disruptive, Transparent and Contributive. These drive us to unite the rigour of responsible research with playful innovation and to act as a trusted catalyst for sustainable material solutions.

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