Modern Synthesis is a venture-backed start-up crafting the next generation of biomaterials by connecting the dots between biology, material science and design. We’re on a mission to create sustainable materials which reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on petrochemicals – without sacrificing performance or creativity. Our first material, which is grown by bacteria, is fully biodegradable and astonishingly strong.
Our Philosophy
We believe that disruptive innovation happens when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide.
As a team of material scientists, biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, robots and microbes, we get to innovate on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome 🌶️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.
In line with this, we’re committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within both our organisation and the wider bioeconomy. The way we see it, a diverse and inclusive team is greater than the sum of its parts allowing for greater innovation to take place.
We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges. If you require additional help or an alternative recruitment process to help you be at your best, do let us know: people@mod-synth.com.
Interested in joining the team in a different capacity to our current openings? Let us know here.
We’re Hiring!
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced Account / Project Manager to drive a range of exciting innovation projects for global fashion partners to success, as well as nurture relationships with existing & prospective customers.
Our environment is uniquely multi-disciplinary. The ideal candidate will need a collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills to effectively lead our cross-functional teams.
You will be a direct reportee to our Head of Product, whilst also working closely with our Head of Growth. Initially the role will be focused mainly on project management but as our needs will change over time, the balance of the two elements of the role will evolve.
Project management
You will use your experience to introduce and manage effective company-wide project management standards and best practices.
You will be responsible for the planning, execution and delivery of time-critical projects in line with company OKRs and client success criteria.
A skilled and results-driven problem solver, you will seamlessly navigate project complexities and anticipate risks.
Account management
You will be our customer relationships champion, serving as a critical and trusted link between our senior team and our pipeline of brand partners.
You will be a key member of the team, actively involved in all client communications, proactively recognising needs and developing actionable insights.
You will strive to implement new strategies to automate and improve our customer relationship management processes.
Job Responsibilities
This role:
Is responsible for complex multi-disciplinary projects, from kick-off to completion
Is responsible for / Owns project timelines, milestones and deliverables, budget and team resources
Leads cross-functional project teams towards results. Guides them in defining project success criteria, developing a problem solving & risk mitigation mindset and implementing strategies to keep projects on track under time pressure
Implements processes within projects to identify near and mid-term risks early on, whilst owning the risk mitigation plan
Assesses effectiveness of team-wide activities, captures learnings and drives process improvements throughout project lifecycle
Develops and implements effective, appropriate and scalable project management tools, systems and best practices
Drives communication with external stakeholders with minimal supervision
Develops insights and draws conclusions from meetings with clients, defines agendas and next steps to keep the conversation moving in the right direction, whilst ensuring there is a clear and consistent record of all communication
Oversees all incoming and outgoing documentation, leads formatting of key information into presentations and documents to be shared internally and externally
Opportunities to expand role scope
We are a small team and welcome candidates looking to grow with us, so this role comes with opportunities to grow in a senior team management position, or get involved in client/business development.
Please note this is not a design / material design role.
Our Ideal Candidate
Has 5 years experience in technical project management, with proven track record in driving time-critical projects to success
Is excellent at written and verbal communication and is confident and comfortable interacting with internal and external stakeholders at various management levels
Is strong at stakeholder management, with proven ability to maintain alignment and build trust between a diverse set of business partners and senior managers
Holds an academic degree or has equivalent experience in a relevant field such as technology, textiles, innovation, or business
Is comfortable with implementing new systems and processes across teams
Can show evidence of experience working with cross-disciplinary teams and ability to adapt messaging to the audience
Is self-directed, organised, and able to switch rapidly between different priorities on multiple simultaneous project, whilst maintaining attention to detail
Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a problem-solving mindset adept at identifying potential obstacles and finding solutions + workarounds
Has a passion for sustainability, bio-materials, fashion tech and / or the circular economy
Bonus Points for
- Strong understanding of the fashion/textile industry
- A qualification or proven industry experience with project management
- Experience with creating and managing legal documents such as contracts and NDAs
Benefits
Brand new, dog-friendly office and lab in Southwest London
Interdisciplinary team with opportunities for growth and career progression
Flexible working, both in terms of working hours and location
Tailored development support from world-leading experts and advisors
Bike to work scheme
Private health insurance including dental and vision stipends
Regular lunches and company events
Enhanced parental leave policy
Potential to create real, positive impact
Hiring Details
Manager: Head of Growth
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000
Desired start date: As soon as possible
Location: London / Hybrid
Job post closing date: February 16th
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this job, as we do not currently have capacity to sponsor.
Our Hiring Process
Round 0. Apply online and submit link(s) to your portfolio of work
Round 1. 30 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis
Round 2. 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. Successful candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation for the final Round 3.
Round 3. 1 hour panel interview and presentation with key members of the team
We recognise recruitment is not one-size-fits-all and we’re happy to tailor this process to better meet the needs of individual applicants. Please email people@mod-synth.com with any requests for support.
How to Apply
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual to play a key role in the next stage of our growth. As we look to expand our team, we need someone to help guide our prospective and current team members through their journey with us. We’d like you to be a champion for our culture, ensuring that as we grow, people still feel valued and part of our mission.
We want you to bring ideas and be looking for ways we can constantly learn and improve as a company.
We’d like you to have some experience with People and HR, but more importantly, we’d like you to embody our values and help us to always be the best we can be!
Job Responsibilities
Ensure we are a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace and that our values are reflected in the work we do throughout the company
Be the go-to person for all things onboarding and offboarding
Manage hiring pipeline and oversee our culture through growth and change
Use your experience and ideas to ensure we have a candidate experience that keeps evolving as we grow
Keep Bob (HRIS) and Recruitee (Recruiting Software) up to date
Be a great communicator; manage incoming enquiries through the People inbox, liaise with external HR contractors on relevant issues and queries, and be a friendly face for our team
Manage internal events
Work with the Chief of Staff to coordinate staff training
Contribute to community and CSR initiatives
Work closely with Comms team on Internal Communications
Opportunities to expand role scope
We are a small team and welcome candidates looking to grow with us, so this role comes with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities in the organisation.
About You
We welcome applicants that don’t necessarily tick all the boxes. If you feel that you tick most of them and are willing to learn the rest, we encourage you to apply.
Our ideal candidate
- Has at least 2 years experience in a People or HR role
- Has experience with HR and People Management software
- Is forward thinking and keen to suggest new ideas at all levels of the business
- Is a great communicator and knows how to respectfully deal with all stakeholders
- Has a passion for sustainability, diversity and equality
- Understands the need for confidentiality and discretion
- Has experience in or is comfortable with a Start-up setting
- Is a champion for great culture and inclusivity
- Is keen to learn, develop and grow with us
Bonus points for:
- Any experience with a laboratory or scientific setting
- Project Management or Events Management experience
Benefits
- Brand new, dog-friendly office and lab in South West London
- Interdisciplinary team with opportunities for growth and career progression
- Flexible working, both in terms of working hours and location
- Tailored development support from world-leading experts and advisors
- Bike to work scheme
- Private health insurance including dental and vision stipends
- Regular company events
- Enhanced parental leave policy
- Potential to create real, positive impact
Hiring Details
Manager: Chief of Staff
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 FTE
Desired start date: As soon as possible
Location: London / Hybrid
Job post closing date: February 16th
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this job, as we do not currently have capacity to sponsor.
Our Hiring Process
Round 0. Apply online and submit link(s) to your portfolio of work
Round 1. 30 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis
Round 2. 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. Successful candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation for the final Round 3.
Round 3. 1 hour panel interview and presentation with key members of the team
We recognise recruitment is not one-size-fits-all and we’re happy to tailor this process to better meet the needs of individual applicants. Please email people@mod-synth.com with any requests for support.
How to Apply
- Produce the highest quality material on our pilot production and trials for product development
- Operate and maintain production equipment such as presses, heat rollers and other light machinery. Operate & maintain our custom robotic weaving systems (“Warpbot”) for production and sample generation
- Collect and log precise production data (yields, quality checks, various product metrics) and present to the team
- Follow our standard operating procedures, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the production process
- Maintain a clean, professional and presentable workshop/lab environment
- Work closely with the Biology Lab Technician to establish & ensure seamless production workflow
- Keep an updated production stock inventory and order supplies
- Execute daily lab protocol including cleaning and maintenance of lab equipment
- Provide feedback and advice for optimisation and development of current production technology & materials
- Support the Product Team in product & materials development
- Research and source new required machinery and tools
- Liaise with internal and external partners and experts to solve complex technical problems
- Follow and ensure high standards of health and safety
- Assist with improving SOPs and risk assessments
- Arrange maintenance, servicing and calibration of equipment
- Able to lift and move 3kg often
- Comfortable working standing for up to 4 hours per day
- Comfortable wearing PPE (gloves, goggles, face mask) when required
Job Requirements
We welcome applicants that don’t necessarily tick all the boxes. If you feel that you tick most of them and are willing to learn the rest, we encourage you to apply.
Undergraduate degree (i.e. Engineering, Textile Engineering, Textiles or related) or two years relevant experience of working in a production environment (i.e. textile manufacturing, industrial food processing, fabrication, technician or related)
Experience operating sensitive machinery
Adapt mechanical understanding
Systematic and detail oriented thinking
Very good problem solving skills: open to invent and find unusual solutions to unusual problems
Reliable and trustworthy with solid time-management skills
Proficiency in office & communication tools (G-Suite, MS Office)
Strong interpersonal skills – able to work with and support team members from different backgrounds and disciplines
Interest in the intersection of fashion, materials and biology
Bonus points for:
Experience in textile manufacturing
Experience on roll-to-roll manufacturing lines
Experience in quality control and with material testing equipment and protocols
Knowledge & experience operating CAM machines (CNC, Laser Cutter, toolpath generation)
Experience working in a lab environment (e.g. chemistry or microbiology lab)
Benefits
- Brand new, dog-friendly office and lab in South West London
- Interdisciplinary team with opportunities for growth and career progression
- Flexible working, both in terms of working hours and location
- Tailored development support from world-leading experts and advisors
- Bike to work scheme
- Private health insurance including dental and vision stipends
- Regular company events
- Enhanced parental leave policy
- Potential to create real, positive impact
Hiring Details
Manager: Andreas Kamolz (Senior Manager Design Engineering)
Salary: £24,000- £30,000 per year
Desired start date: April 2023
Location: London
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this job, as we do not currently have capacity to sponsor.
Our Hiring Process
Round 1. 30 minute exploratory interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis.
Round 2. 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the experience and knowledge you’ll bring to this role.
Round 3. An in-person interview with a multi-disciplinary panel to see how well we think you would work with the wider team.
We recognise recruitment is not one-size-fits-all and we’re happy to tailor this process to better meet the needs of individual applicants. Please email people@mod-synth.com with any requests for support.
How to Apply