Materials Research Fellow

Job Title: Materials Research Fellow

Reports to: Engineering Lead

Department: Engineering

Location: Remote

Company Profile

Kubik is an environmental-tech startup that is dedicated to building dignity through clean and affordable living for all. We focus on creating affordable, low carbon buildings using hard to recycle plastic waste, with the aim of providing sustainable housing solutions that are accessible to everyone. Kubik makes affordable, low-carbon building materials from plastic waste. We are a female-, and family-first company empowering women to be the leaders in transforming Africa into a greener, prosperous, and equitable continent.
Our competitive compensation package, family-friendly benefits, and professional development opportunities are geared toward building opportunities for promising female professionals.

www.buildkubik.com

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Materials Research Fellow at Kubik, you'll play a vital role in advancing our product development through innovative materials research. Working alongside cross-functional teams, you'll focus on enhancing product performance, durability, and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on polymers and polymer composites. Your responsibilities will include conducting research, providing technical expertise, and collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to align research efforts with project objectives. This part-time role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Kubik's innovation journey while accommodating your schedule. If you're passionate about materials science and seeking a flexible role where you can make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Materials Research and Development:

• Conduct research on polymers and polymer composites to enhance the performance, durability, and sustainability of Kubik's products.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify materials requirements and develop innovative solutions to meet project objectives.

• Evaluate the properties, characteristics, and applications of various materials to optimize their suitability for Kubik's specific use cases.

• Technical Advising and Expertise:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on materials science principles, including polymer chemistry, composite materials, and material characterization techniques.

• Advise on material selection, formulation, processing, and testing methodologies to improve the quality and functionality of Kubik products.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and research advancements in materials science to inform decision-making and drive innovation.

• Product Enhancement and Optimization:

• Work closely with product development teams to incorporate advanced materials and manufacturing techniques into Kubik's product design and engineering processes.

• Conduct feasibility studies and performance evaluations to assess the feasibility and viability of new materials and technologies for integration into Kubik's product portfolio.

• Identify opportunities for product optimization and refinement based on materials research findings and technical insights.

• Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and project managers, to align materials research efforts with project goals and objectives.

• Communicate research findings, technical recommendations, and project updates effectively to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.

• Cultivate partnerships with external research institutions, academic organizations, and industry experts to leverage expertise and resources in materials science research.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated expertise in material science, with a focus on natural fibers, polymers, and biocomposites.

• Proficient in polymer processing techniques and methods for creating sustainable materials.

• Experience in fiber selection, treatment, and reinforcement in composite manufacturing.

• Skilled in conducting research, literature reviews, and scientific investigations in the field of materials engineering.

• Experience in performing mechanical and physical testing on materials to evaluate properties and performance.

• Strong ability to collaborate with teams, lead initiatives, and communicate research findings effectively.

• Enthusiastic about circular economy and creating sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact.

• Ability to work independently, adapt to new technologies, and drive sustainable innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Master's degree in Polymer Engineering or related field

• Strong background in material science, polymer processing, and fiber reinforcement

• Experience in conducting research, product development, and reporting

EXPERIENCE:

• 7 years professional experience