Senior Scientist, Chemistry & Materials

About the Role

This position is responsible for developing, planning, and executing basic and applied research and development activities in areas that may include electrochemiluminescence, electroactive/conducting materials, light emitting materials, electroanalytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, transition metal organometallic chemistry, photochemistry, and/or photophysics. The incumbent will contribute to new product development in the form of methods, assays, reagents, and instrumentation platforms utilized in the life science or clinical fields. This role involves collaboration across interdisciplinary teams and may include supervising the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, design, and execute complex experiments for self and others to support research, feasibility, and product development and/or qualification efforts.
• Perform material and/or compound formulation and/or synthesis, and develop analytical and research tools and methods.
• Handle moisture-sensitive and/or air-sensitive compounds and materials.
• Prepare experimental procedures, maintain laboratory notebooks, and prepare procedures, batch/test records to support product development and research efforts.
• Keep organized, detailed, and clear project records for self and any direct reports.
• Procure reagents and equipment needed to perform experiments.
• Oversee and/or analyze data using appropriate software, including statistical analyses, and prepare tables/graphs to highlight findings. May include coding in specific software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, ImageJ, VBA/Excel).
• Maintain instrumentation.
• Anticipate the full scope of project goals and organize steps to meet those goals.
• Present and communicate findings/analyses and any associated issues/solutions to peer groups, managers, and/or customers; make recommendations for project advancement.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experiments; communicate issues and solutions to the group and managers.
• Prepare invention disclosures, patent applications, posters, and papers.
• Work within and/or lead technical teams with minimal input from manager to accomplish project goals, and manage/coordinate work of other team members.
• Stay abreast of current technological developments in area of expertise, expand knowledge through independent learning.
• Perform literature and market research on new research or product areas.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments on projects/products or associated deliverables.
• Establish and monitor direct report performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and provide continuous coaching and recognition on performance.
• Take on extra roles as needed to support the R&D organization, such as training or lab management activities.
• Understand, follow, and enforce laboratory safety precautions to ensure compliance with company safety policies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related fields with 2 years of independent and productive research or development experience.
• Master’s degree may be considered with at least 8 years of independent and productive research or development experience in a relevant field.
• Minimum of four years of laboratory experience with proven hands-on technical abilities.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: conducting materials, electrochemistry, materials science, interfacial chemistry, inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and/or organometallic chemistry.
• Experience in analyzing complex scientific data.
• Supervisory/management experience is desirable.

Skills

• Strong scientific fundamentals and experience analyzing complex scientific data.
• Strong understanding of physical science fundamentals in chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, and physics.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize, manipulate, and characterize conducting, light-emitting materials, and/or polymers, small molecules, and organometallic/inorganic compounds is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion.
• Project-level understanding and attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Team player with excellent communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Some proficiency in coding/programming is desirable (e.g., Excel, Python, MatLab, ImageJ, COMSOL, R).
• Ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes is desirable.
• Training and experience with BSL-2 techniques desirable.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit and stand for long periods.
• Occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 70% of the day may be spent at a laboratory bench.
• Occasional work at heights above four (4) feet and moving/lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and/or materials in a fume hood.
• May involve handling air/moisture-sensitive reagents or compounds requiring Schlenk techniques.
• May require purification of materials/compounds using organic solvents and common purification techniques.
• May work in a laboratory environment with large equipment for material preparation.
• May work in a laboratory environment with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work.
• May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $116,600 to $177,800. This range represents a general guideline, as additional factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience are considered. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness club membership contribution.
• Pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts.
• Optional supplemental life insurance.