Surface Chemist

As a highly skilled and experienced Surface Chemist, you will be responsible for developing solid-phase supports for a novel sequencing platform. This role reports to the Senior Director of Chemistry and requires expertise in surface chemistry, solid-phase synthesis, and analytical techniques. The successful candidate will work independently in a laboratory environment and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 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. Source and synthesize custom supports to investigate surface functionalization, porosity, size, stability, and manufacturability. Optimize functionalization chemistries (includes covalent, cleavable, linkers, passivation) to improve interfacial reaction kinetics and efficiency and assay signal-to-noise. Develop and validate analytical methods to characterize/QC solid supports. Develop and validate functional testing methods to characterize/QC solid supports. Partner with scientists and engineers to deploy novel supports into SOP workflows. Design and execute experiments bridging chemistry and molecular biology. Analyze experimental data, generate detailed reports, and provide actionable insights to guide further development. Apply statistical methods and process evaluation tools to ensure workflow quality and performance. Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation of protocols, SOPs, and results. Contribute to process innovation and support 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 such as 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. Desired Skills and Experience Surface Chemistry Surface Characterization Morphological Characterization AFM SEM TEM XPS Contact Angle Measurement Dynamic Light Scattering DLS Zeta Potential Solid-Phase Chemistry Surface Modification Functional Group Coupling Polymer Surface Engineering Nanoparticle Surface Engineering Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization ATRP Polymer Brushes Surface Coatings Analytical Characterization LC-MS HPLC FTIR UV-Vis Spectroscopy Fluorescence Spectroscopy Elemental Analysis Bioconjugation Chemistry Protein Conjugation Peptide Conjugation Small Molecule Conjugation Oligonucleotide Conjugation Covalent Linkers Affinity-Based Linkers High-Throughput Screening HTS Combinatorial Synthesis Automated Characterization Functionalized Beads Bead Synthesis Assay Development Assay Validation #J-18808-Ljbffr Bayside Solutions