Textile Recycling Research Co-op
MacroCycle
Cambridge, MA, USA
Posted on Jan 25, 2026
At MacroCycle, we’re building a new approach to textile recycling. Where currently most textiles after use are landfilled or incinerated, our SolvoGenesisTM technology transforms low-value textile waste back into high-quality polyester fibers. This technology will reduce landfill waste as well as production emissions and close the loop towards truly circular textiles. Unlike traditional chemical recycling, our process bypasses the energy- and carbon-intensive breakdown steps, enabling MacroCycle to deliver a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient solution for a truly circular economy.
Desirable Skills & Knowledge Include
- Duration: ideally 9-12 months (flexible start date)
- Hours: 40 hours/week
- Location: MacroCycle R&D headquarters at The Engine in Cambridge, MA
- Work in a team and assist chemists and engineers in optimizing MacroCycle’s recycling process
- Run lab-scale chemical reactions to upcycle PET and polyester waste
- Perform analytical testing (NMR, GPC, FTIR, etc.) and interpret results
- Put results into context with literature and present findings in weekly team meetings
Desirable Skills & Knowledge Include
- Currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related
- 3+ semesters of lab experience (bench/fume hood)
- Familiarity with at least two analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, GPC, GCMS, FTIR, ICP, DSC, …)
- Strong problem-solving and teamworking skills, and an independent work style
- Detail-oriented and meticulous with hands-on work
- Excellent oral and computer communication, thriving within fast-paced, collaborative work
- The opportunity to shape a fast-growing startup company out of MIT with significant traction
- Ample opportunity to learn about the textile recycling space and entrepreneurship
- Regular free team lunches and office snacks
- Access to a host of innovation and networking events in the vibrant startup community around Harvard, MIT, and the Boston/Cambridge innovation hub area
- Paid observance of major holidays