VP R&D

Company Overview:

We are a funded early-stage start-up dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry by developing innovative, biology-based cement replacements. Our mission is to reduce the environmental impact of construction while creating robust and sustainable building materials. Backed by a leading biotech investor, we have an initial team, process, and proof of concept (POC). We are currently seeking a VP R&D to lead the next phase of technological and strategic growth.

Role Description:

As VP R&D, you will play a crucial role in our company’s technological advancement. You will be responsible for taking our scientific concepts and scaling them up to full-fledged technologies, ready for commercial application. This role is ideal for someone passionate about applying science to solve complex problems and creating pioneering and disruptive solutions for the construction industry.

Key Responsibilities:

·     Lead, develop and manage the R&D department, overseeing the development and optimization of our biology-based cement replacement technology.

·     Develop and execute a strategic R&D roadmap aligned with company goals.

·     Planning workplans, budget, timelines and personnel to achieve desired milestones.

·     Significant hands-on work in performing experiments at different scales and across different verticals (biology, chemistry, concrete and product development).

·     Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of pilot projects and scale-up processes.

·     Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

·     Drive the intellectual property strategy, including patent filings and protection of proprietary technologies.

·     Stay up to date of emerging trends and technologies in material science and construction methodologies.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

·     Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) in Material Sciences / Chemical Engineering / Biotech, or a related field.

·     Extensive experience in novel materials and material sciences (i.e. track record for leading or developing new materials in the commercial sector).

·     7+ years of experience in managing teams and driving them to successful execution with strong leadership and communication skills.

·     5+ years of experience in taking scientific POC concepts from lab to commercial production.

·     Entrepreneurial spirit and experience in startup environments, comfortable with the uncertainties and excitement of early-stage ventures.

·     Problem-solving skills and creative mindset, with the ability to think outside the box.

·     A "can-do" approach with a strong work ethic, aiming to achieve key milestones for the company's success.

·     Native speaker or highly fluent in English.

We Offer:

·     A management position with equity in the company.

·     A pivotal role in shaping a startup in a fast-growing novel building materials space.

·     Flexibility and autonomy in establishing the technical and R&D strategy and team.

·     The excitement and challenge of growing a startup company.

Join Us:

Help us rebuild the future of construction with innovative, eco-friendly materials.

Application Process:

Please contact Gabriel Peer at gabriel@thestarstone.com with the subject line: Starstone: VP R&D Position.