R&D Scientist - Polymer & Surface Chemistry

Mary Dickson; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sepax Technologies is seeking an R&D Scientist to advance polymer and materials chemistry for chromatography applications. The role entails designing, synthesizing, modifying, and characterizing advanced materials and evaluating their performance in HPLC separations.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to optimize surface chemistries, translate lab research to scalable products, and document methods and results for patent considerations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong hands-on research experience in polymer synthesis, materials synthesis, surface chemistry, surface modification, functionalization, or related chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot synthesis challenges, interpret results, and optimize experimental conditions.
• Experience using analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate synthesized or modified materials.
• Strong scientific documentation, data analysis, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, modify, and characterize advanced materials for chromatographic separations.
• Develop and optimize surface-modification and functionalization chemistries.
• Investigate relationships between material structure, surface chemistry, and chromatographic performance.
• Design experiments to troubleshoot synthesis, reproducibility, and product-performance challenges.
• Evaluate new chemistries and materials for potential use in HPLC stationary phases and separation products.
• Collaborate with R&D, Technology, and Production teams to transition successful research concepts toward scalable products.
• Document experimental methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Contribute scientific ideas to new product development and continuous improvement of existing technologies.
• File patent applications.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Materials synthesis

Surface chemistry

Surface modification

Functionalization

HPLC method development

Chromatography

Independent experimental design

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Silica synthesis

Silica surface modification

Job description

Job Description Join Sepax Technologies and help develop the next generation of chromatography materials.

We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC products.

This is a hands-on research position for a scientist who enjoys designing experiments, synthesizing and modifying materials, solving complex chemistry problems, and translating laboratory research into real-world separation technologies.

The successful candidate will work on projects involving polymer and/or silica-based materials, surface functionalization, particle chemistry, chromatography, and separation science at our headquarters in Newark, Delaware.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.


• Strong hands‑on research experience in polymer synthesis, materials synthesis, surface chemistry, surface modification, functionalization, or related chemistry.


• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot synthesis challenges, interpret results, and optimize experimental conditions.


• Experience using analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate synthesized or modified materials.


• Strong scientific documentation, data analysis, and technical communication skills.


• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Highly Preferred Experience

• Silica particle synthesis and/or silica surface modification.


• Polymer functionalization, grafting, coating, or surface immobilization.


• Development of porous materials or functional particles.


• HPLC stationary‑phase or chromatography‑media development.


• HPLC method development and separation science.


• Understanding of structure‑property relationships as they relate to chromatographic performance.


• Experience taking a material or chemistry concept from initial synthesis through optimization and performance evaluation.

What You’ll Work On

• Design, synthesize, modify, and characterize advanced materials for chromatographic separations.


• Develop and optimize surface‑modification and functionalization chemistries.


• Investigate relationships between material structure, surface chemistry, and chromatographic performance.


• Design experiments to troubleshoot synthesis, reproducibility, and product‑performance challenges.


• Evaluate new chemistries and materials for potential use in HPLC stationary phases and separation products.


• Collaborate with R&D, Technology, and Production teams to transition successful research concepts toward scalable products.


• Document experimental methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.


• Contribute scientific ideas to new product development and continuous improvement of existing technologies.


• File patent applications.

Company Description

Sepax is a fast‑growing technology company and has emerged as a leader in the biological separation industry. Sepax has been developing a wide range of intellectual properties in the areas of particle synthesis, surface modification, LC column packing, bulk media production and purification process development. Sepax Technologies, Inc. focuses on three business areas: 1) bioanalytical solutions, 2) solution‑based process purification and 3) medical diagnostics. Sepax Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Sepax Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sepax is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

At Sepax, scientists have the opportunity to work directly on technologies that become real‑world separation products. Our expertise spans particle synthesis, surface modification, chromatography media, LC column technology, and purification development.

As a member of our R&D team, you’ll work in a hands‑on environment where scientific ideas can move from experimental concept through development and ultimately into products used by customers in the life science and biopharmaceutical industries.