Chemist

Build a better growing plug Vertical farms rely on rockwool, peat and coir to get seedlings started. Radiculae is developing a biodegradable, paper-based plug designed to replace them. We combine cellulose-fiber design with practical production to create a growing medium that delivers the right balance of water, air and support for roots. We are looking for a Co-Founder and Principal Cellulose Fiber Chemist to turn the concept into a product and help build the company from the ground up. This is a hands-on role with real ownership of material development and early product decisions. What you will do · Prepare and process cellulose pulp and fibers: forming, pressing and drying. · Select and test pulps, binders and additives. · Produce prototypes based on simulated design variants. · Measure density, porosity, water uptake and retention, drainage and mechanical strength. · Compare test results with design predictions and improve the formulations. · Document repeatable recipes and processes. · Help select materials, equipment and suppliers. · Set technical priorities and shape product development as a co-founder. First milestone: Produce a first set of cellulose plug prototypes and characterize their water retention, drainage and mechanical properties. What you bring You are a practical, resourceful materials specialist who enjoys making, testing and improving real things. You can work independently, set priorities and make progress in an early-stage startup. Essential · Background in cellulose chemistry, pulp and paper, materials science, chemical engineering or a related field. · Hands-on lab or pilot experience with fibers, pulp, polymers or similar materials. · Understanding of how material composition and processing affect performance. · Structured experimentation, measurement, documentation and iterative improvement. · Good spoken and written English; interest in sustainable materials and entrepreneurship. A plus · Molded fiber, wet-laid processes, paper forming or fiber-based packaging. · Fiber networks, binders, additives, surface chemistry or materials characterization. · Water transport, porosity, mechanical testing or laboratory-to-pilot scale-up. · Horticulture, plant science, hydroponics or controlled-environment agriculture. · Experience turning research or prototypes into practical products. The opportunity — and the terms · Take technical ownership of the cellulose material platform from the first prototypes. · Shape the product, testing strategy and technical roadmap. · Work at the intersection of materials, sustainable food production and research connected to KTH. · Explore a co-founder role and potential company ownership. This is an unpaid opportunity. There is no salary or consultancy fee, but a chance to become co-founder and shareholder in a vertical farming technology startup. This role is suited to someone motivated by technical and entrepreneurial ownership, not someone seeking conventional paid employment. About Radiculae Radiculae is an early-stage Stockholm startup developing cellulose-based growing plugs for vertical farming. Its approach combines fiber-network and root-system modeling with hands-on material development to create renewable, biodegradable alternatives to conventional growing media. Apply Emanuele D’Allestro, Founder | emadal@kth.se Send your CV and a short introduction covering your experience with cellulose or similar materials, one material or prototype you have made or tested, and why you are interested in exploring a co-founder role at Radiculae.