Materials Scientist

Cecilia is a NASA-backed start-up, upending the plastic waste crisis. We are commercializing a modular, microwave-based system that upcycles plastic waste into clean hydrogen and performance carbon, specifically carbon nanotubes.

Join our innovative startup dedicated to advancing the frontier of nanocarbon materials. Leveraging a unique circular carbon approach, we are poised to transform industries with sustainable, high-performance solutions. As we gear up for our next phase of growth, we are seeking an in-lab Material Scientist to support our nanocarbon materials product development.

The Material Scientist will play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s core materials development, particularly in carbon nanotube synthesis, functionalization, and applications. This is a full-time, in-person role based in our Newark, NJ laboratory, where the candidate will be responsible for hands-on experimentation, materials development, and data analysis. The successful candidate will innovate, optimize processes, and contribute to scalable material solutions.

• Integrate directly into our engineering and development team to synthesize and functionalize carbon nanotubes and nanocarbon-based materials, with a focus on improving properties and developing new applications.
• Conduct hands-on lab experimentation including safe handling, purification, and functionalization of carbon nanotubes.
• Experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting.
• Directly work on our proprietary carbon nanotube synthesis, functionalization, and material productization.
• Coordinate and analyze advanced characterization work with resources such as Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, TGA, TEM, and SEM.
• Analyze experimental data, provide insights, and contribute to refining material processes for scalability.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring experimental data is well-documented and results are communicated clearly to the broader team.
• Support collaborations with external partners and contribute to the scaling of lab-scale processes for commercialization efforts.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization.
• Assist in general lab maintenance, including setup of experiments and calibration of equipment.

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on nanocarbons, heterogeneous catalysis, thermochemistry, and specific experience with carbon nanotubes.
• Ideal candidates will have completed their PhD within the last 12 months. Candidates who are expected to defend their PhD dissertation within the next 12 months are also eligible.
• Willingness to work in a hands-on, in-person laboratory role in Newark, NJ.
• Expertise in carbon nanotube synthesis, purification, characterization, functionalization, and application development is highly desirable, with prior experience in CNT functionalization for specific applications, such as electronics, composites, or energy storage preferred. 
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques including (but not limited to) Raman, FTIR, TGA, TEM, SEM, XRD, and AFM.
• Ability to work safely and independently in a laboratory setting, with strong knowledge of lab safety protocols, especially in the handling of nanomaterials and solid catalysts.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and an eagerness to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively document and share research findings.
• Familiar with Microsoft and Google packages such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Capable of performing physical tasks such as bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying materials up to 40 pounds.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without company sponsorship.