Associate R&D Chemist

Qnity; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company based in Massachusetts is seeking an Associate R&D Chemist. This entry-level, full-time position focuses on polymer and organic synthesis and analytical characterization. You will work closely with senior scientists, conducting laboratory experiments and operating analytical instruments such as GPC and HPLC. The role emphasizes attention to detail and safety in a wet lab environment, with opportunities to learn more about cleanroom processing in the future.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis including reaction set-up.
• Familiarity with analytical tools such as GPC, HPLC, or UPLC.
• Ability to work in a wet chemistry lab safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on polymer and/or organic synthesis of monomers and polymers.
• Operate and maintain key analytical instruments and perform calibrations.
• Document experimental plans and results in electronic lab notebooks.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Analytical tools (GPC, HPLC, UPLC)

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related discipline

Tools

GPC

HPLC

NMR

GC

Job description

Job Title: Associate R&D Chemist – Synthesis & Analytical Characterization

Location: Marlborough, MA

Company: Qnity Electronics Inc. – Business: Advanced Circuit & Packaging (ACP)

About the Role

Qnity Electronics (ACP business) is seeking an associate-level R&D Chemist to support development of next-generation materials for advanced semiconductor packaging. This hands‑on lab role is focused primarily on polymer/organic synthesis and analytical characterization to support new product development and process optimization. You 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. Over time, there will be opportunities to learn cleanroom and lithography/fab processing, but the initial focus is on synthesis and characterization in the wet lab.

Key Responsibilities

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 set‑up, 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 set‑up, 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 in 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.

Senior Level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Semiconductor Manufacturing

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