Chemical Engineer – Scale-up & Techno-Economic Modelling of Sustainable SAPs

A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University-based materials science venture founded by Oxbridge graduates. We are pioneering sustainable, biobased, and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace synthetic, petroleum-based SAPs. These polymers - critical in hygiene (diapers, menstrual pads, cosmetics) and agriculture - represent a $9B global market today, projected to grow to $17.6B by 2035.

With the EU banning synthetic SAPs in soils by 2028, A&B Smart Materials is positioned to lead this transition. We already have traction with global leaders.

We are seeking a Chemical Engineer to model, analyse, and guide the scale-up of our biodegradable SAPs from laboratory synthesis to large-scale industrial production. This role will focus on understanding how our processes translate economically at different production volumes, comparing them to existing synthetic SAP lines, and identifying the optimal routes for commercialisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop process flow diagrams and scale-up models for SAP synthesis.
• Perform techno-economic analyses (CAPEX/OPEX, yield, energy use, raw material sourcing).
• Simulate production at various scales and determine cost curves and price points.
• Benchmark synthetic SAP production lines against proposed sustainable lines, highlighting cost advantages and challenges.
• Assess constraints such as maximum production capacities, raw material availability, and infrastructure requirements.
• Provide input on supply chain optimisation and feasibility of different plant configurations (regional vs centralised production).
• Support licensing discussions by preparing cost-competitiveness data for partners and investors.

This is a critical role in bridging technical development with commercial viability - ensuring that our sustainable polymers can be manufactured at global scale at competitive prices.

Essential qualifications and skills

• MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or Industrial Chemistry.
• Strong experience with process modelling and simulation (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD, SuperPro Designer, or equivalent).
• Background in techno-economic analysis of chemical or materials processes.
• Knowledge of process scale-up principles, including mass and energy balances.
• Ability to link engineering outputs to commercial strategy and pricing.

Desirable

• Experience in polymer production, hydrogels, or biodegradable plastics.
• Familiarity with LCA methodologies and sustainability metrics.
• Exposure to manufacturing economics in chemical or FMCG industries.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate technical results to commercial teams and investors.

Location: Oxford (Begbroke Science Park). Hybrid/remote flexibility possible.

Start date: ASAP.

Impact: You will play a central role in proving the economic viability of sustainable SAPs, helping shift a $9B market away from petroleum-based plastics towards scalable, green alternatives.