R&D Chemist

Company : Varite, Inc

Pay Range $51.00/hr. to $ 56.33/hr. on W2
Summary:

• Client is seeking an associate-level R&D Chemist to support development of next-generation materials for advanced semiconductor packaging.
• This hands-on lab role is focused primarily on polymer/organic synthesis and analytical characterization to support new product development and process optimization.
• You will work closely with senior scientists and project leaders, executing laboratory experiments, running analytical tools such as GPC and HPLC/UPLC, and documenting results with high quality and rigor.
• Over time, there will be opportunities to learn cleanroom and lithography/fab processing, but the initial focus is on synthesis and characterization in the wet lab.

Key Responsibilities:
Polymer & Organic Synthesis:

• Perform hands-on polymer and/or organic synthesis of monomers, oligomers, and polymers at lab scale (typically 100 mL–20 L), following established procedures and safety protocols.
• Support development and optimization of synthetic routes, including reaction setup, monitoring, work-up, purification, and yield/quality assessment.
• Prepare and handle reagents, solutions, and formulations used in advanced semiconductor materials.

Analytical Characterization:

• Operate and maintain key analytical instruments such as GPC, HPLC, UPLC, NMR and related chromatography tools; perform routine calibrations and basic troubleshooting.
• Perform additional testing and characterization as needed (e.g., GC, UV-Vis, FT-IR, basic thermal analysis, titrations, % solids, viscosity) to support material qualification and process development.
• Analyze data, summarize results in a clear and organized format, and communicate findings to project leaders in a timely manner.

Lab Operations, Documentation & Safety:

• Follow written procedures, batch records, and test methods with a high degree of repeatability, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Document experimental plans, raw data, and conclusions in electronic lab notebooks and technical reports; contribute to new method write-ups and method validation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; strictly adhere to EHS rules for handling chemicals and operating laboratory equipment.

Collaboration & Future Cleanroom/Fab Work (Secondary / Growth Area):

• Work closely with R&D chemists, engineers, and analytical colleagues to support project goals and timelines, including sample preparation and testing campaigns.
• Over time, and as business needs allow cross-train in cleanroom and semiconductor fab processes (e.g., coating, lamination, lithography, curing, and basic metrology) to support wafer-level and panel-level evaluations.
• Participate in regular team meetings, share results, and provide input on experimental design and next steps.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis (academic or industrial), including solution handling, reaction setup, and basic purification techniques.
• Hands-on experience with analytical tools such as GPC, NMR and at least one of HPLC or UPLC or clear familiarity and demonstrated ability to learn these tools quickly.
• Comfort working in a wet chemistry lab, including safe handling of chemicals, solvents, and lab equipment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow procedures with high repeatability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicate clearly in English (written and verbal), and manage multiple tasks under guidance from senior staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship or 1–3 years of industrial experience in polymer/organic synthesis, materials R&D, or analytical chemistry.
• Additional hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as GC, DSC/TGA, rheology, SEM/optical microscopy, or other materials characterization methods.
• Prior exposure to semiconductor materials (photoresists, dielectrics, plating additives, etc.) or work in a cleanroom/fab environment (coating, lamination, lithography, metrology).
• Prior exposure to semiconductor materials (photoresists, dielectrics, plating additives, etc.) or other electronic-related materials
• Experience with basic data analysis and statistical tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Minitab) to interpret experimental results.

Apply Online