Surface Chemist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop solid supports that meet the physicochemical performance requirements for a novel single-molecule protein sequencing workflow and will be compatible with automation equipment.
• Sources and synthesizes custom supports to investigate surface functionalization, porosity, size, stability, and manufacturability.
• Optimizes functionalization chemistries (including covalent, cleavable, linkers, passivation) to improve interfacial reaction kinetics and efficiency and assay signal-to-noise.
• Develops and validates analytical methods to characterize/QC solid supports.
• Develops and validates functional testing methods to characterize/QC solid supports.
• Pairs with scientists and engineers to deploy novel supports into SOP workflows.
• Designs and executes experiments bridging chemistry and molecular biology.
• Analyzes experimental data, generates detailed reports, and provides actionable insights to guide further development.
• Applies statistical methods and process evaluation tools to ensure workflow quality and performance.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive documentation of protocols, SOPs, and results.
• Contributes to process innovation and supports technology transfer as workflows mature.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in organic chemistry, surface chemistry, bioengineering, or equivalent field; advanced degree preferred.
• 1+ years (PhD), 3+ years (MS), 5+ years (B.S.) of industry or equivalent experience in assay or reagent development.
• Demonstrated proficiency in surface and morphological characterization (AFM, SEM/TEM, XPS, contact angle, DLS, zeta potential).
• Expertise in surface and solid-phase chemistry, including surface modification, functional group coupling (and quantitation), and polymer or nanoparticle surface engineering.
• Experience with atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for grafting and tailoring polymer brushes or coatings on surfaces and particles.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analytical characterization, including LC–MS, HPLC, FTIR, UV–Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.
• Hands-on experience with bioconjugation chemistry, such as coupling of proteins, peptides, small molecules, or oligonucleotides via covalent or affinity-based linkers.
• High-throughput screening (HTS) using methods like combinatorial synthesis arrays with automated characterization.
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record developing functionalized beads from scratch (synthesis, characterization, and validation) through to successful deployment in a downstream assay.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work seamlessly with colleagues from diverse scientific and technical backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.