Head of Materials and Scale up

🧱 Job Title: Head of Materials & Scale-Up

📍 Location: Rehovot, Israel – Onsite | Climate Tech Startup

🔬 Industry: Bio-Cement, Sustainable Materials

The Opportunity

Cement accounts for over 8% of global CO₂ emissions. At Starstone, we’re replacing it—using biotechnology, not kilns. We’ve proven our tech in the lab. Now, we’re scaling.

We’re seeking a mission-driven Head of Materials & Scale-Up to lead the transformation of bio-generated calcium carbonate into real-world cement replacements that meet industrial standards and performance benchmarks.

About Starstone

Starstone is a VC-backed climate tech startup pioneering low-carbon cement alternatives by engineering microbes to grow reactive minerals. Our product works with existing cement systems, reducing emissions by over 50%—no kilns, no carbon, built to scale.

We’re based in Rehovot and backed by top-tier investors in deep tech and sustainability.

What You’ll Do

·        Lead the design, formulation, and optimization of cementitious materials ensuring performance meets construction standards (EN, ASTM, ISO)

·        Own and execute the scale-up strategy from lab R&D to pilot and early industrial production, including QA/QC protocols, certification readiness, and supplier collaboration

·        Conduct hands-on formulation work and manage mechanical, physical, and applicative testing of materials, including experimental planning and data analysis

·        Work cross-functionally with the biotechnology team to align microbial outputs with material performance requirements

·        Drive technical documentation, literature reviews, and reporting to support decision-making and certification efforts

·        Represent material science in internal and external forums, contributing insights to investors, partners, and regulatory bodies within a multidisciplinary team environment

What We’re Looking For

Must-Have:

• M.Sc. in or material science, engineering or chemistry
• 5–7 years industrial experience with novel materials or chemistry, preferably as part of start up companies.
• Experience with formulations, materials development with hands on lab work.
• Experience scaling R&D into pilot or field production
• Know how in materials characterization methods
• Skilled in tools like XRD, TGA, SEM, ICP, compressive strength testing
• Strong command of cement chemistry, clinker alternatives, or inorganic composites
• Startup mindset: proactive, resourceful, adaptable
• Based in Israel, fluent in English

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with bio-derived inputs or fermentation byproducts
• Exposure to certification or standardization processes
• Hands-on involvement in process design (e.g., drying, blending, QA systems)
• Familiarity with the construction or climate innovation landscape

What We Offer

🏗️ Impact – Shape the future of sustainable infrastructure with a deep tech solution to a massive climate problem

🌱 Mission – Work at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and industrial scale-up

Ready to help reinvent concrete?