Ion-Exchange Membrane Chemist — Polymer Synthesis

EnergyX; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Healthcare (Health, Dental, Vision)

PTO

Sick Leave

Equity Compensation

401(k) plan

Job summary

EnergyX in Austin, TX seeks a Synthetic Chemist to lead design, synthesis and optimization of membrane polymers for ion exchange membranes, collaborating with process, formulation, and stack engineering teams to scale lab chemistries to roll-to-roll production.

You will develop monomer systems, characterize polymers with FTIR, NMR and conductivity tests, and address degradation mechanisms while documenting procedures for IP.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience synthesizing and characterizing ion-containing or ion-conductive polymers.
• Strong knowledge of polymerization and crosslinking chemistry.
• Experience with standard polymer and membrane characterization techniques.
• Understanding structure–property relationships in ion-transport polymers.
• Ability to work safely with reactive monomers and solvents and follow lab safety protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for documenting procedures and presenting results.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymer chemistries for ion exchange membranes.
• Develop and optimize monomer, crosslinker, and initiator systems for roll-to-roll casting.
• Lead bench-scale synthesis and formulation; support scale-up to pilot and production.
• Characterize membranes using FTIR, NMR, titration, and conductivity tests.
• Diagnose membrane degradation mechanisms and propose chemistry-based solutions.
• Maintain documentation of synthesis routes and experimental data for IP disclosures.
• Collaborate with process engineering, stack design, and commercial teams.
• Support safe handling and disposal of reactive chemicals per safety standards.

Skills

Ion-containing polymers

Polymerization chemistry

Membrane characterization

Synthesis & formulation

Process safety protocols

Written & verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

FTIR

NMR

Titration methods

Conductivity testing

Job description

EnergyX in Austin, TX seeks a Synthetic Chemist to lead design, synthesis and optimization of membrane polymers for ion exchange membranes, collaborating with process, formulation, and stack engineering teams to scale lab chemistries to roll-to-roll production.

You will develop monomer systems, characterize polymers with FTIR, NMR and conductivity tests, and address degradation mechanisms while documenting procedures for IP.