About Level Nine

At Level Nine, we leverage bio-nanotechnology and quantum chemistry to develop next-generation catalysts to enable the green chemicals of tomorrow.

Inspired by nature, our nanozymes bridge the gap between traditional catalysts and enzymes to unlock new possibilities in green chemicals production. Our first nanozymes unlock new ways to cost-effectively convert biomass into renewable chemicals, replacing fossil fuels as the world’s primary chemical feedstock.

About the Role

We are looking for an ambitious and talented (analytical) chemist to join our team. Though we have a number of hard criteria (see below), we hire for attitude over aptitude. We’re not just interested in what you’ve done, but also why you think it was worth doing. The most important consideration for us in hiring for this position is that you're an ambitious and talented individual who is can get work done efficiently and effectively, who relishes diving into a challenging problem and coming up with creative and unexpected solutions, and who can demonstrate a high degree of curiosity, creativity, and drive. Lastly, the ideal candidate will be comfortable working both independently and in a team, and will have no problem managing multiple projects and priorities at the same time.

Tasks

Assist in setting up and executing experiments related to lignin depolymerization, polymer synthesis, and chemical modification.
Optimize reaction conditions, including catalysts, co-factors, and variables such as temperature. Perform routine wet lab procedures and maintain equipment.
Conduct purification of products using techniques such as chromatography, precipitation, recrystallization, and liquid-liquid extraction.
Perform analysis to characterize reaction products and materials, including: Spectroscopy (NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis); Chromatography (TLC, SEC, GC-MS); Thermal/Mechanical Testing (DSC, TGA, rheology, tensile/compressive strength). Analyze and interpret data using relevant software (e.g., MNOVA, Origin, Excel).
Conduct risk assessments and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory activities.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Solid understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry is a must. Knowledge of and experience with catalysis (design, application, or background) is a strong plus.

Knowledge & Experience

Hands-on experience or knowledge of purification techniques such as chromatography, recrystallization, and liquid-liquid extraction.
Previous experience working with materials such as polyols, resins, foams, adhesives, elastomers, or sealants (e.g., through academic projects, internships, or thesis work).
Familiarity with polymerization techniques (e.g., step-growth, free-radical, or ring-opening polymerization). Understanding of methods for chemical/physical polymer modification (e.g., adding reactive groups, crosslinking, end-capping).
Reaction Optimization: Hands-on experience with optimizing reaction conditions. Familiarity with catalysts, co-factors, and reaction variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, ultrasonication) is a plus.
Experience in key analytical techniques: Spectroscopy (NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis); Chromatography (TLC, SEC, GC-MS); Thermal/Mechanical Analysis (DSC, TGA, rheology, tensile/compressive strength tests (a plus).
Familiar or experience in risk assessments and SOP writing for different lab practises

Other

A European working visa is strongly preferred.

To apply, please submit your CV along with 3-5 sentences about yourself and why you're interested in working at Level Nine. Please don't send us a standard cover letter - instead, please send a brief, one-two paragraph answer to the following questions:

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken, and what did you learn from it?
What are you passionate about outside of work that makes you uniquely you?
If you could learn any new skill, what would it be and why?

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