Junior R&D Chemist

Junior R&D Chemist – Biopolymer Synthesis & Coatings Put chemistry to work against food waste. Help turn bio-based materials into coatings that keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer. Stockholm, Sweden · Kitocoat laboratory at KTH Part-time, approximately 30–40% · Initially 10–12 months Start date: As soon as possible About the role Join our R&D work on chitosan-based materials and coatings for fresh produce. This hands-on role spans chemical synthesis, formulation development, material characterisation, and practical testing. You will explore and optimise materials, investigate their properties, and help improve consistency and performance. By planning experiments, interpreting results, and documenting your findings, you will contribute to laboratory testing, formulation development, and data analysis. The role is based in Kitocoat’s laboratory, located at KTH in Stockholm, with technical guidance from experienced researchers. Responsibilities • Perform and optimise chemical synthesis of biopolymer materials. • Improve purification, processing, and product consistency. • Investigate material properties such as solubility, viscosity, and purity. • Develop and evaluate coating formulations for different applications. • Plan and conduct laboratory experiments. • Document experimental procedures, results, and technical findings. • Support product development within ongoing research projects. Requirements Master’s students are welcome to apply and can combine this part-time role with ongoing studies. • BSc or MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. • Practical laboratory experience, particularly in chemical synthesis. • Good understanding of organic chemistry. • Experience with laboratory procedures, purification, and experimental documentation. • Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and solve practical problems. • Good communication skills in English. Nice to have • Polymer chemistry or biopolymers. • Chitosan or other polysaccharides. • FTIR, NMR, or other material characterisation techniques. • Formulation development or coating technologies. • Research or industrial laboratory experience. Benefits • The opportunity to contribute to sustainable materials and food waste reduction. • Hands-on R&D in an early-stage deep-tech startup. • Hands-on work in Kitocoat’s laboratory, located at KTH in Stockholm. • Technical guidance from experienced researchers. • Flexible part-time working arrangements. • Opportunities for professional development and increased responsibilities. About Kitocoat Kitocoat develops bio-based coatings to help fruit and vegetables stay fresh for longer. We bring together chemistry, materials science, and practical testing to tackle food waste at the product level. With roots in research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, we are working to turn sustainable materials into practical solutions for growers, distributors, and retailers. Join our mission to reduce food waste Help us give fresh produce more time — and make better use of the resources that go into growing it. Bring your curiosity, laboratory skills, and ideas to a team developing the next generation of bio-based coatings. How to apply Apply through https://kitocoat.com/careers/ and follow the instructions there. Attach your CV as a PDF. Include your earliest possible start date and availability for part-time laboratory work in Stockholm. Please include brief answers to the following questions in your email. A separate cover letter is not required.

1. What laboratory skill or area of knowledge is your strongest? Please give a brief example.
2. Describe a project, experiment, or practical problem you took initiative on. What was your contribution and what did you learn?
3. Why would you like to join Kitocoat?
4. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (Optional)

Send your application to michael@kitocoat.com with the subject “Junior R&D Chemist Application”. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please provide only information relevant to the role. Read our Recruitment Privacy Notice at https://kitocoat.com/recruitment-privacy/ for information about how we handle your application.