Material Scientist – Cancer-Safe Firefighter Equipment Innovation Project (Volunteer)

Material Scientist – Cancer-Safe Firefighter Equipment Innovation Project (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP) and Thread and Promise (Innovation and Design Division)

Location: Remote and/or New York City (depending on project needs)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

Project: Cancer-Safe Equipment Innovation Initiative for NYC Firefighters

About Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization that empowers children and youth experiencing housing instability in New York City through mentorship, education, creative expression, and community engagement. As part of our broader commitment to community well-being, innovation, and public service, MAP and its social-impact design arm, Thread & Promise, are launching an ambitious research and development initiative.

Project Overview:

Cancer-Safe Firefighter Equipment Innovation Initiative

Firefighters across the United States—especially in NYC—are experiencing rising rates of occupational cancer due to exposure to toxic chemicals, PFAS, smoke particulates, and contaminated equipment. Through this initiative, MAP aims to research, develop, and prototype next-generation, non-toxic, high-performance firefighter gear and equipment that reduces long-term cancer risk while preserving durability, comfort, and safety.

This project unites community-driven innovation, scientific research, and human-centered design to improve the lives of frontline responders.

About the Role

We are seeking a Material Scientist with expertise in polymers, textiles, coatings, nanomaterials, bio-materials, or fire-resistant compounds to support our research and development of cancer-safe firefighter equipment. You will work alongside designers, researchers, and community partners to help evaluate existing gear, identify toxic components, and explore safer alternatives.

This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to create tangible public-health impact through research and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on materials used in firefighter gear, including PFAS-free alternatives, high-temperature resistant fabrics, composites, and protective coatings.
• Analyze existing cancer risks associated with current firefighter equipment and identify material-level sources of exposure.
• Evaluate performance characteristics of reduced-toxicity materials (durability, heat resistance, breathability, chemical resistance, decomposition behavior).
• Collaborate with MAP’s Thread & Promise design team to support prototyping of safer firefighter gear components (turnout fabrics, gloves, hoods, helmets, liners).
• Recommend materials, composites, or treatments aligned with NFPA safety standards.
• Support laboratory testing plans, simulation frameworks, and third-party testing recommendations.
• Contribute to technical reports, white papers, research briefs, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Participate in virtual research meetings and respond to emails within 48 hours.
• Integrate feedback to refine material concepts and improve research outputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Textile Engineering, Fire Science, Nanotechnology, or related field.
• Knowledge of fire-resistant fabrics, polymer chemistry, coatings, or high-temperature performance materials.
• Familiarity with toxicity reduction, PFAS-free material development, or occupational exposure science (preferred).
• Ability to analyze scientific literature and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to innovation, public safety, and community-centered impact.

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

• Experience working with PPE or NFPA-certified gear.
• Knowledge of firefighter cancer research or environmental health science.
• Experience with rapid prototyping or design collaboration.
• Background in bio-based, biodegradable, or sustainable material development.
• Prior experience in public health innovation or community-based R&D.

Commitment

• Volunteer role, remote or hybrid depending on collaboration needs.
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week, depending on research and development phases.
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred due to the technical depth of the project.
• Flexible scheduling with weekly or bi-weekly check-ins.

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking public-health and safety innovation effort.
• Direct impact on improving the lives of NYC firefighters and future generations.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, scientists, and community partners.
• Letters of recommendation, professional references, and authorship opportunities on research outputs (as applicable).
• A portfolio-ready R&D project with real-world social impact.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org

Join us in building a future where firefighters can protect others without sacrificing their own health. Your knowledge can help save lives—today and for decades to come.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.