Head of Chemistry & Materials

🧱 Job Title: Head of Chemistry & Materials Science

📍 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 technology in the lab. Now, we’re scaling.

We’re looking for a mission-driven, highly hands-on Head of Chemistry & Materials Science to lead the translation of bio-generated calcium carbonate into real-world cement replacements that meet industrial standards and performance benchmarks.

This is a senior role combining deep technical ownership, hands-on materials development, and leadership in a fast-moving climate tech startup.

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 against construction standards (EN, ASTM, ISO)
• Perform hands-on formulation and experimental work, including mechanical, physical, and applicative testing
• Plan experiments, analyze data, and iterate formulations to meet performance, cost, and scalability targets
• Work closely with the biotechnology team to align microbial outputs with downstream material performance requirements
• Drive technical documentation, literature reviews, and reporting to support internal decisions and external certification
• Represent materials science internally and externally, contributing to discussions with investors, partners, and regulatory stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

Must-Have:

• M.Sc. in chemistry, material science or material engineering
• 4-6 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 cement?