Analytical Chemist - Synthesis

VARITE INC; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 70,257 - 77,600; Full time

Job summary

A premier technology solutions provider is looking for an associate-level R&D Chemist in Marlborough, MA. In this hands-on lab role, you will support the development of next-generation materials for advanced semiconductor packaging by working on polymer synthesis and analytical characterization. Candidates ideally have a B.S. or M.Sc. in Chemistry or a related field with hands-on experience in organic synthesis. Strong organizational skills and teamwork are essential, as you will collaborate closely with senior scientists.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in organic and polymer synthesis.
• Experience with GPC, NMR, and one of HPLC or UPLC.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support development of next-generation materials for semiconductor packaging.
• Execute laboratory experiments and document results carefully.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers on projects.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Analytical tools (GPC, NMR)

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

B.S. or M.Sc. in Chemistry or related discipline

Tools

GPC

HPLC

UPLC

NMR

Job description

VARITE is looking for a qualified R&D Chemist in Marlborough, MA.

About the Client

VARITE is a premier pure‑play technology solutions provider to the semiconductor and electronics industries, enabling advanced computing, smart technologies and connectivity. Established in 2000, VARITE is an award‑winning minority business enterprise providing global consulting & staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ global consultants, VARITE delivers excellence by leveraging its global experience and expertise in scientific, engineering, technical, and non‑technical staff augmentation and talent acquisition services.

Job Summary

• Job Title: R&D Chemist
• Location: Marlborough, MA
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Pay Rate: $51.00/hr. to $56.33/hr. on W2

Responsibilities

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 focuses on polymer/organic synthesis and analytical characterization to support new product development and process optimization. The role 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. Opportunities to learn cleanroom and lithography/fab processing will arise over time, but the initial focus is on synthesis and characterization in the wet lab.

• 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 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).
• Experience with basic data analysis and statistical tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Minitab) to interpret experimental results.

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VARITE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.