CuanTec is an innovative small company which has developed a World-first proprietary process to naturally extract chitin from various source materials including shellfish waste which would otherwise be incinerated. CuanTec’s proprietary technology naturally maintains the full chain length of this amazing biopolymer while providing the purest grade chitin available anywhere in the World, enabling a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, biomedical, and food industries. 

 

CuanTec’s first products include strong, transparent, and flexible bio-based films to replace single-use plastics. Biodegradable, compostable, and naturally antimicrobial, these films can not only replace hugely damaging and wasteful single use plastics but can also extend the shelf life of fresh foods and produce wrapped within the films, ensuring that they last longer, with no moulding and less food waste.

 

Following a significant new investment from Hive Energy, we are building our first commercial-scale biobased extraction facility at Glenrothes in Scotland in 2023. At the same time, we are expanding our R&D team in our new labs in Clydebank to develop commercial chitin and chitosan-based products using our own chitin production resources.

 

The ideal candidate will have:

 

1. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in biobased polymer materials science, chemistry or biochemistry preferably with experience of producing solutions/mixtures, comprising biobased polymers and other natural materials, for coating substrates or for producing stand-alone thin films or fibres. Experience of chitin or chitosan-based materials will be distinctly advantageous.

2. A natural preference for team-working in fast-paced challenging environments and a desire to grow with the business and having direct influence over its future and enhancing and leveraging the company’s vision.

3. A natural preference for practical laboratory work coupled with a safe and resourceful approach to solving problems and generating creative outcomes. 

 

 

Key Accountabilities include:

• Developing chitosan-based formulations for anti-microbial and compostable packaging products in the form of stand-alone films or coated natural packaging materials.

• Carrying out routine analytical tests on materials and generating development prototypes.

• Designing and conducting experiments to support the development of protypes with the attributes required by customers. 

• Collaborating with colleagues to manage the development and delivery of products with good value propositions. 

• Generating registered IP (Patents) for innovative products in association with CuanTec’s IP attorneys.  

• Upholding working practices to keep colleagues safe from harm and maintain the company’s safe codes of conduct.

• Generating and managing work plans/GANTT charts and reporting progress against these. 

 

The role will be based at CuanTec’s new R&D facility in Clydebank. The total compensation package will be competitive, including pension, life insurance, and critical illness cover, and will reflect the level of expertise of the successful candidate. 

To apply please provide a CV to hr@cuantec.com highlighting your career, focusing on your skills and personal achievements and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate.