Mori is focused on innovations in the food, agriculture, and packaging industries. We leverage the unique properties of a natural protein discovered in silk that protects food, creates an edible barrier, and slows down spoilage. Our products can be integrated at any time from farm to shelf, allowing food producers, processors, and retailers to deliver more and better-quality food to consumers. Our mission statement “More Food, Less Waste” embodies our companies’ commitment to improving supply chain inefficiencies and reducing food and packaging waste. We abide by the following values to make our mission possible:

• Think big, start small
• Embrace complexity
• See it through
• Operate with care
• Keep perspective

Job Description

Mori is seeking a motivated, and resourceful Senior Research Associate within our Materials team. The candidate will have the following responsibilities, including:

• Lead projects aimed at developing methods and related SOPs to form high performance protein coatings on food-related surfaces or packaging substrates
• Design studies and run multiple experiments in parallel that investigate functional properties of thin-film protein coatings for food or packaging applications
• Coordinate with R&D team leads on defining technical goals and milestones for implementing silk in pilot projects
• Independently create and execute efficient experimental work plans related to R&D projects, maintain an organized and detailed laboratory notebook
• Generate and analyze data related to barrier, crystallinity, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of protein samples
• Clearly and accurately communicate results in technical presentations with complex scientific narratives
• Conduct background research in scientific literature, contribute learnings to discussions on the approach and scope of R&D projects
• Manage relationships with external vendors or labs in support of internal R&D projects

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in engineering or a related field with 5+ years industry experience minimum; Completed graduate degree in related discipline may substitute for years of experience.
• Masters in materials engineering background and 3 to 5+ years of industry experience with expertise developing and characterizing thin film coatings preferred.
• Knowledge of how dispersion characteristics influence properties of films and coatings.
• Experience parameterizing spray deposition or roll-to-roll processes.
• Familiarity tuning wetting and surface properties of plastic or paper substrates a plus.
• Proven ability to build and lead projects with sufficient delegation of tasks and resource allocation.
• Highly organized and focused.
• Meticulous note taker, strong data processing and analytical skills.
• Strong technical storytelling skills, good communicator.
• Self-starter in the lab.

Compensation

• $77,000 - $93,000 (depending on experience)

Mori provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Equity
• Health, vision, and dental plans where Mori pays 50% of the premium
• Health Savings Account (HSA) for High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)
• Unlimited paid-time-off (which includes sick pay) and 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Commuter benefits providing employees the opportunity to use tax-free dollars on commuting costs (as specified by the benefit administrator.
• Free, access to confidential mental health counsellors through a program called Health Advocate. Health Advocate also helps with other things (securing childcare, finding lawyers for wills, etc.), and you have access to the full array of Health Advocate options
  • Health Advocate also offers advice on which health insurance option to choose based on your personal circumstances (HIPAA compliant, everything is done between you and them and never comes to a Mori employee). This type of program is often referred to as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Free OneMedical on-demand primary care (24/7 access to physicians, online booking system, membership fee is covered), insurance required for certain services
  • Free TelaDoc through Aetna available to employees with an active Mori health plan
  • One year of TalkSpace (fully online mental health therapists) Access based on enrollment in an active Mori provided Health Benefit plan. Monthly limitations apply
• Optional Life and supplemental life insurance through MetLife

Additional location specific benefits include:

• 24/7 access to Hood Park fitness center (Boston benefit)
• Covered and indoor bike parking (Boston benefit)
• Hood Park programming and events (Boston benefit)

Mori is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and all applicable state and local fair employment practices laws. Employment opportunities at Mori are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.