Oxidation and Catalysis Research Lead (Scientist/Chemist)

Radical Dot is hiring an Oxidation and Catalysis Research Scientist/Chemist (m/w/o) to drive the development of our oxidative chemical recycling technology.

Radical Dot transforms mixed plastic waste into high-value chemical building blocks. Moving beyond traditional methods like pyrolysis and gasification, we are pioneering a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for the chemical industry.

As an early-stage start-up, we are seeking a hands-on and adaptable leader who thrives in a dynamic lab environment.

• You will play a critical role in leading and delivering targeted research projects, contributing directly to our mission to tackle the global plastics crisis.
• ## Tasks
• Responsibilities will include:
• Contribute to and lead R&D projects centered around the optimization and development of our core reaction processes, potentially including oxidation, solvolysis, esterification, and hydrogenation
• Design and execute liquid oxidation experiments using high-pressure autoclave systems (e.g., Parr reactors) to improve yields, inform catalyst deactivation/poisoning understanding and improve catalyst recycling.
• Collaborate closely with the analytical team to co-develop methods for tracking of carbon/oxygen across phases and to identify products and by-products (e.g., GC, HPLC, MS, NMR, GPC, etc)
• Collaborate with external and academic partners
• Help bridge the technology transition from batch autoclave studies to continuous reactor design for our upcoming demo plant starting operation in 2027
• Work closely with the Engineering and Science teams in a collaborative "one-team" mindset to deepen the scientific understanding of our chemistry and optimize our processes.
• Supervise one or more students contributing to the project's overall objectives, if opportunities arise.

• ## Requirements
• Your Skillset
• PhD with a minimum of 2+ years of postdoctoral or industrial experience in oxidation chemistry, catalysis (homogeneous or heterogeneous), chemical R&D, or reaction engineering
• Strong hands-on expertise in oxidation chemistry and catalytic reaction development
• Experience with high-pressure reaction systems and autoclave experimentation
• Proficiency in analytical techniques for gas and liquid phase product characterization (e.g., GC, HPLC, MS)
• Familiarity with liquid phase oxidation of biomass, polymers, fatty-acids, etc. is a strong advantage
• Knowledge of oxidative radical chemistry (e.g. Radical Oxidation, Kraft oxidation, Mid-Century/Amoco process, wet-air oxidation (WAO), supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), or peroxide related oxidation chemistry) is a plus
• Familiarity with heterogeneous catalysis is a plus
• Proven ability to design mechanistic experiments (isotope labeling, kinetic modeling, in-situ spectroscopy)
• Experience in startup, pilot plant, or industrial process development environments is beneficial
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is optional.
• Your Mindset
• Hands-on attitude to get things done in the lab
• Innovative and creative, ready to find solutions for problems no one has solved before.
• Passionate about impact and contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Adaptable and flexible, to embrace the fast-paced changing environment of start-ups.
• Collaborative, as the world biggest problems are solved as a team.
• Have strong safety awareness, this is still chemistry!
• Personal growth mindset, ready to take more and different responsibilities with the growth of the company.