R&D Scientist – Polymer & Surface Chemistry

Role details

Join Sepax Technologies and help develop the next generation of chromatography materials.

We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC products.

This is a hands-on research position for a scientist who enjoys designing experiments, synthesizing and modifying materials, solving complex chemistry problems, and translating laboratory research into real-world separation technologies.

The successful candidate will work on projects involving polymer and/or silica-based materials, surface functionalization, particle chemistry, chromatography, and separation science at our headquarters in Newark, Delaware.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong hands-on research experience in polymer synthesis, materials synthesis, surface chemistry, surface modification, functionalization, or related chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot synthesis challenges, interpret results, and optimize experimental conditions.
• Experience using analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate synthesized or modified materials.
• Strong scientific documentation, data analysis, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Highly Preferred Experience

• Silica particle synthesis and/or silica surface modification.
• Polymer functionalization, grafting, coating, or surface immobilization.
• Development of porous materials or functional particles.
• HPLC stationary-phase or chromatography-media development.
• HPLC method development and separation science.
• Understanding of structure-property relationships as they relate to chromatographic performance.
• Experience taking a material or chemistry concept from initial synthesis through optimization and performance evaluation.

What You'll Work On

• Design, synthesize, modify, and characterize advanced materials for chromatographic separations.
• Develop and optimize surface-modification and functionalization chemistries.
• Investigate relationships between material structure, surface chemistry, and chromatographic performance.
• Design experiments to troubleshoot synthesis, reproducibility, and product-performance challenges.
• Evaluate new chemistries and materials for potential use in HPLC stationary phases and separation products.
• Collaborate with R&D, Technology, and Production teams to transition successful research concepts toward scalable products.
• Document experimental methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Contribute scientific ideas to new product development and continuous improvement of existing technologies.
• File patent applications.

At Sepax, scientists have the opportunity to work directly on technologies that become real-world separation products. Our expertise spans particle synthesis, surface modification, chromatography media, LC column technology, and purification development.

As a member of our R&D team, you'll work in a hands-on environment where scientific ideas can move from experimental concept through development and ultimately into products used by customers in the life science and biopharmaceutical industries.

Sepax is a growing technology company specializing in biological separation. Our technologies span particle synthesis, surface modification, LC column packing, bulk media production, and purification process development. Sepax focuses on bioanalytical solutions, solution-based process purification, and medical diagnostics. Our Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Sepax is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have hands-on HPLC or chromatography experience?
• Do you have hands-on research experience with polymer synthesis, materials synthesis, surface modification, or functionalization chemistry?

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Newark, DE 19711 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person