Chemistry and Process Technologist

Geminatio; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k plan

Flexible PTO

Mentorship

EV charging onsite

Snacks

Job summary

Geminatio is seeking a Chemistry and Process Technologist for our Schenectady, NY laboratory to contribute to materials and formulation development in a small, energetic startup environment. You will work in a newly equipped 1600 sq ft lab and assist in semiconductor process development, analytical sample preparation, spin coating, formulation, and data reporting.

The role includes training in advanced polymer synthesis, exposure to semiconductor manufacturing, and opportunities to attend

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in chemistry or related field.
• 1+ years of chemical synthesis experience in academia or industry.
• Experience with lab safety and standard protocols.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques listed (NMR, SEM, GPC/SEC, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, DSC, TGA).
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support synthesis, formulation, and analysis of polymers and small molecules.
• Prepare and handle materials for synthesis, analysis, and evaluation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols.
• Collect, organize, and interpret data to guide process improvements.
• Document procedures and results clearly for reproducibility.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Semiconductor Engineering

Tools

NMR

SEM

GPC/SEC

HPLC

GC-MS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Job description

Semiconductor integrated circuits have revolutionized modern society, transforming the ways we work, communicate, travel, and maintain health. As the semiconductor industry grows, projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, the demand for efficient, sustainable manufacturing processes has intensified.

Geminatio, a startup dedicated to enabling low-cost integrated circuit manufacturing, is developing innovative materials and infrastructure to make semiconductor patterning more accessible and cost-effective. Founded by industry experts in advanced photolithography and resolution enhancement, we’re building solutions to sustain industry growth.

To support our vision and continued expansion, Geminatio has an exciting opportunity for a Chemistry and Process Technologist in our laboratory located in Schenectady, NY.

Position Overview

Geminatio is seeking a motivated technologist excited about contributing to a small, energetic team. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work in our newly equipped 1600 sq ft laboratory, conducting a range of tasks essential to our materials and formulation development. You will assist in semiconductor process development, analytical sample preparation, formulation, spin coating, analysis, and reporting, and be a valuable part of the team advancing materials for improved patterning processes.

You will receive comprehensive training to build on your existing skills and gain exposure to cutting-edge techniques in polymer synthesis, formulation, and semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend industry conferences, supporting both personal and professional growth.

As a small startup team, we value people who take initiative, continuously look for ways to improve how we work, and approach technical problems from first principles. Team members are expected to take ownership of their work, hold themselves and each other accountable, and work collaboratively toward shared goals.

The Process and Formulation Technologist will support the lead chemist and formulator in optimizing materials, formulations, and results communication. This role will involve:

• Safety and Quality Compliance: Ensuring safe lab practices, maintaining product quality, and practicing environmental responsibility.
• Chemical Synthesis: Synthesis and purification of small molecules and polymers using organic laboratory techniques.
• Sample Preparation: Preparing and handling materials for synthesis, analysis, and evaluation.
• Semiconductor Wafer Processing: Handling and processing semiconductor wafers to develop novel patterning technologies.
• Characterization and Analysis: Conducting analysis using NMR, SEM, ellipsometry, GPC, DSC, TGA, and other techniques to evaluate and document material properties.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering, organizing, and interpreting data to improve formulations, understand process behavior, and optimize material performance.
• Laboratory Operations: Maintaining an organized and clean laboratory environment, ensuring equipment and materials are stored properly, and managing shipping, receiving, lab supplies, samples, and inventory to support an efficient workflow.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the process development, formulation, and analysis of spin-on lithography enhancement processes
• Supporting the synthesis, formulation, and analysis of unique polymers and small molecules
• Operating and maintaining the laboratory environment, equipment, and tools while following established safety protocols
• Managing inventory of internal samples, customer samples, and commercial chemicals
• Assisting in functional tests and experiments to evaluate material and process performance
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data to identify trends, troubleshoot problems, and guide process improvements
• Applying first-principles thinking to understand the mechanisms behind experimental observations rather than relying solely on empirical results
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in laboratory processes, experimental methods, organization, safety, and efficiency
• Taking initiative to identify tasks or problems that need attention and driving them toward resolution
• Documenting procedures, results, and insights clearly so that work can be understood and reproduced by other team members
• Taking ownership of assigned work and contributing to a culture where team members respectfully hold themselves and each other accountable
• Working closely with team members, sharing information and responsibilities, and contributing wherever needed to help the team meet its goals

Background and Skills

The ideal candidate will have a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, semiconductor engineering, materials science, or a related technical field and demonstrated experience in a laboratory setting. We are looking for someone who is technically curious, hands-on, and comfortable working in a startup environment where priorities can evolve quickly.

Desired skills and experience include:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field
• 1+ years of experience with chemical synthesis techniques in an academic or industrial environment, including reaction planning, execution, and purification. Skills may include TLC, column chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation
• Experience with chemical handling and standard laboratory protocols
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices, waste disposal, and adherence to safety data sheets (SDS)
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as NMR, SEM, GPC/SEC, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, DSC, and/or TGA
• Reliable transportation with a valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various locations within the Capital Region for work-related tasks and coordination with local partners
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Disciplined maintenance of detailed laboratory notebooks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Continuous improvement and initiative: Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes and workflows, take ownership of needed tasks, and drive issues toward resolution.
• First-principles thinking, accountability, and teamwork: Approach problems with curiosity about underlying mechanisms, take responsibility for commitments, and work collaboratively while holding yourself and teammates to shared standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with polymer formulations and spin coating techniques
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with analytical sample preparation and SOPs
• Knowledge of material characterization and structure-property relationships in polymers
• Experience with data science, programming, and/or machine learning
• Experience or training in the preparation and shipment of hazardous materials, such as DOT/IATA dangerous goods shipping, or willingness to become trained
• Society of Chemistry rating of Diamond or higher

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 /year

Benefits Include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance
• Company 401k plan
• Flexible PTO
• Mentorship from industry leaders
• Electric Vehicle Charging onsite
• Company provided snacks, coffee, and tea!

Geminatio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.