Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Ultima Genomics; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays and time off

Job summary

Ultima Genomics is seeking a Senior Scientist in Surface Chemistry to lead R&D at our Fremont, CA location. You will develop and optimize surface functionalization processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD with experience in project leadership and strong capabilities in surface characterization. This full-time role offers a salary range of $120,000–$140,000 along with a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience for BS, 5+ for MS, or 3+ for PhD.
• Hands-on experience with products involving surface chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale surface functionalization processes.
• Design and optimize surface chemistries.
• Run Design of Experiments (DOE) optimization.

Skills

Surface chemistry expertise

Metrology experience (AFM, ellipsometry, etc.)

Project leadership

Data analysis skills (Python, FIJI, etc.)

Education

PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field

MS with 5+ years or BS with 8+ years related experience

Tools

AFM

XPS

FTIR

SEM

Job description

About the Company

Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Technology Company

Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top‑tier investors.

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry to lead R&D and process development for surface-modified substrates. This is a full-time onsite position at our Fremont, CA location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and scale surface functionalization processes; link chemistry and process settings to assay and product performance
• Design and optimize surface chemistries, including organosilanes, thiols/SAMs, linkers, passivation and blocking strategies, and biomolecule immobilization
• Run Design of Experiments (DOE) driven optimization and define robust operating windows and control plans
• Build Quality Control (QC) workflows, including metrology panels, acceptance criteria, and correlation models between metrology and functional performance
• Own troubleshooting and failure analysis; drive corrective actions via process controls and SOP updates
• Drive innovation by prototyping next‑gen coatings and chemistries, assessing feasibility and risk, and recommending paths forward
• Partner cross‑functionally with chemistry, biology and engineering teams and mentor technicians and junior staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, or related field
• BS with 8+ years, MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years of related industry experience; PhD preferred
• Hands‑on experience supporting a commercial product where surface chemistry is a key component
• Strong surface chemistry and surface characterization skills with ability to correlate measurements to function
• Hands‑on metrology experience, including AFM, ellipsometry, XPS, FTIR, SEM, fluorescence microscopy; additional techniques are a plus
• Proven SOP authoring and release discipline in a product development environment
• Demonstrated project leadership in framing, planning/DOE execution, analysis, and excellent communication skills
• Experience with vapor‑phase and CVD‑style deposition of organosilanes, thiols, or related surface chemistries, biomaterials coatings and/or bioconjugation chemistry
• Familiarity with microfabrication context such as PVD/CVD/PECVD/ALD, lithography, etch, wet bench/cleaning
• Data and image analysis skills (Python, FIJI, JMP, Matlab/Octave, R)
• Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor process stability and variation

Compensation & Benefits

This role pays between $120,000 and $140,000 in California, plus a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance; 401(k); flexible spending & health savings accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.

Location

Fremont, CA – Full‑time onsite.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics’ EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].