Research and Development Chemist

About Northiana:

Northiana is a Vancouver-based R&D company, founded in 2023, developing Continuous Multilayered Encapsulation (CME) — a technology that moves viscous fluids such as heavy crude, bitumen, and mine tailings through existing pipelines at a fraction of the pumping pressure they would otherwise require. CME forms a high-strength hydrogel capsule around the fluid, cutting drag and abrasion inside the line for more efficient flow, lower energy use, and less wear on infrastructure already in the ground.

The company is now moving from validated results to industrial scale, building a pilot facility in Vancouver and preparing a field demonstration on a commercial pipeline with a major Canadian midstream partner. The team is small and much of the equipment is built rather than bought, so the people we hire will have their hands on the hardware and the chemistry from the start. We value curiosity, collaboration, and ownership, and prior oil and gas experience is not required — we hire for capability and attitude.

The Role:

R&D Chemist

Location: Vancouver, BC — R&D laboratory

Reports to: Chemistry Lead

Type: Full-time

Northiana is looking for an R&D Chemist to join our team. Our hydrogel chemistry is the core of the CME technology, and this is the first hire into a growing chemistry group. The role focuses on the synthesis and characterization of hydrogel materials and on optimizing formulations across varying core fluids, temperatures, and operating conditions, so that the chemistry performs under the conditions the pilot facility and the field demonstration will impose.

Working with the technical team and under the supervision of the Director of R&D, the R&D Chemist will develop a strategic research approach, design systematic studies based on literature and previous findings, lead the scale-up work that moves formulations from bench scale to the pilot system, and present findings to the broader team. The role also carries light laboratory management, roughly ten percent of the position. We are looking for an analytical, self-motivated, proactive individual who can shape experimental direction with limited supervision and wants to see the real impact of their work. Please note that this role is in person and not remote.

Primary Responsibilities:

● Design and execute experimental programs in hydrogel synthesis and characterization.

● Optimize formulations across varying core fluids, temperatures, and operating conditions.

● Carry out analytical, materials, and mechanical testing, including rheology, FTIR, TGA, and tensile testing.

● Lead scale-up work moving formulations from bench scale to the pilot system.

● Process, organize, and summarize collected data, and write reports on the work performed and the research findings.

● Participate in group meetings and discussions to share research findings and contribute to the technical direction of the chemistry program.

● Provide light laboratory management, including chemical inventory tracking and restocking, basic instrument upkeep, and ensuring lab cleanliness and well stocked resources.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

● MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a similar discipline.

● Three or more years of relevant research experience at the MSc level; PhD candidates may apply directly from their degree.

● Demonstrated expertise in polymer chemistry, or in emulsions and interfacial science.

● Hands on experience working in a wet lab setting, including synthesis, formulation, and characterization.

● Ability to work independently and shape experimental direction with limited supervision.

● Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

● Experience working with hydrogels, crosslinking chemistry, or rheological characterization is considered an asset.

● Materials testing and mechanical property measurement experience is considered an asset.

● Bench-to-pilot scale-up experience is considered an asset.

● WHMIS certification and laboratory safety experience is considered an asset.

Northiana is dedicated to helping its employees grow and develop technical and soft skills in an innovative and collaborative environment. Northiana is an equal opportunity employer with an inclusive culture. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Vision care

Work Location: In person