Materials Scientist (Nanoparticle Sizing & Lot Release)

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 69,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

Zekai is seeking a Materials Scientist to support nanoparticle sizing and lot release as a remote contractor. The expert will manually evaluate TEM and SEM images, determine particle size distributions, and help establish acceptance criteria based on QC standards. Strong reporting and communication are essential.

The role emphasizes independent expert analysis without AI tools, with documentation and cross-functional collaboration to guide material qualification decisions.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of nanomaterial characterization using TEM and SEM.
• Hands-on experience in nanoparticle sizing and PSD analysis.
• Proficiency in manual image analysis, thresholding and calibration.
• Understanding of QC standards and reference material qualification protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reporting.
• Ability to evaluate technical reference cases without AI tools.
• Background in scientific consulting or materials science is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manually analyze and interpret TEM and SEM micrographs for nanoparticle sizing and morphology.
• Document particle size distributions with accuracy and reproducibility.
• Establish lot-release acceptance criteria based on QC standards.
• Prepare detailed reports on findings, methods, and recommendations.
• Validate measurement techniques through manual calibration and thresholding.
• Contribute expert insights in nanomaterial characterization during technical discussions.
• Communicate findings clearly to project teams.

Skills

Nanoparticle sizing

PSD analysis

TEM/SEM analysis

Manual image analysis

Calibration & thresholding

Technical reporting

Quality control knowledge

Scientific consulting background

Job description

Role Title: Materials Scientist (Nanoparticle Sizing & Lot Release)

Role Type: Contractor

Location: Remote

our partner is engaging Materials Scientists (Nanoparticle Sizing & Lot Release) to contribute specialized expertise to a customer’s project focused on advanced nanomaterial evaluation. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters. This opportunity centers on thorough nanoparticle sizing, particle size distribution analysis, and lot release qualifications using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The engagement emphasizes independent expert analysis — including manual image thresholding, calibration, and morphology assessments — without reliance on automated or AI-powered tools. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential to document findings, interpret complex micrographs, and convey critical decisions to project stakeholders.

Scope of Work

• Manually analyze and interpret TEM and SEM micrographs for nanoparticle sizing and morphological assessment
• Determine and document particle size distributions (PSD) with rigorous attention to accuracy and reproducibility
• Establish and communicate lot-release acceptance criteria based on technical reference cases and quality control standards
• Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings, methodologies, and recommendations for material qualification
• Validate measurement techniques through manual calibration, thresholding, and cross-checking against reference data
• Participate in technical discussions, providing expert insights on nanomaterial characterization and quality control criteria
• Deliver clear, concise written and verbal communications to facilitate knowledge transfer across project teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of nanomaterial characterization, especially using TEM and SEM
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in nanoparticle sizing, particle size distribution analysis, and lot release evaluation
• Proficiency with manual image analysis, including thresholding, calibration, and interpretation of complex morphologies
• Strong understanding of quality control standards and reference material qualification protocols
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for reporting and collaboration
• Ability to evaluate and validate technical reference cases without the use of AI-based tools
• Background in scientific consulting, materials science, or laboratory-based analytical roles is a plus

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.