Senior Surface Chemistry Scientist – Substrates & Metrology

Mammoth DS, Inc; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Data Storage is seeking a Senior Research Associate in technology development to advance surface chemistry and substrate characterization essential to our molecular data storage platform.

You will run day-to-day experiments, optimize protocols, and ensure a steady supply of high-quality substrates while collaborating across synthesis, engineering, sequencing, and bioinformatics teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with >5 years of industry experience, or Master's degree with 1-3 years in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Deep hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and executing surface chemistry protocols on solid substrates.
• Experience with surface metrology techniques including ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, electrochemical characterization, and AFM.
• Bioconjugation experience is a plus; strong data analysis and scripting skills are highly desirable.
• Biotech or pharma R&D experience is desirable; must communicate clearly and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, functionalize, and provide semiconductor substrates for daily workflows.
• Develop and optimize surface chemistry and bioconjugation protocols for high-density platforms.
• Perform routine and advanced surface metrology to characterize substrates (ellipsometry, AFM, etc.).
• Process and analyze experimental data to guide optimization and troubleshoot issues.
• Maintain detailed records of all work and analyses.
• Communicate results and next steps to team and leadership.
• Collaborate with synthesis, engineering, sequencing, and bioinformatics teams.

Skills

Strong data analysis

Scripting experience

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree + >5 years industry experience

Master's degree + 1-3 years experience

Tools

Ellipsometry

AFM

Contact angle goniometry

Electrochemical characterization

Job description

Atlas Data Storage is seeking a Senior Research Associate in technology development to advance surface chemistry and substrate characterization essential to our molecular data storage platform.

You will run day-to-day experiments, optimize protocols, and ensure a steady supply of high-quality substrates while collaborating across synthesis, engineering, sequencing, and bioinformatics teams in a fast-paced environment.