Synthetic Chemist - Surfactants & Specialty Materials

Role details

About the Role

We are seeking a Synthetic Chemist to join our multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the research, development, synthesis, and characterization of specialty surfactants and functional materials for biotechnology and microfluidic applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry, with experience or a demonstrated interest in surfactants, amphiphilic molecules, detergents, polymers, or related specialty materials.

This is a hands-on position combining synthetic chemistry, materials characterization, formulation development, and manufacturing support. The successful candidate will participate in both established production processes and the development of new materials, with opportunities to contribute ideas, solve technical challenges, and help advance products from laboratory development to practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize synthetic routes for specialty surfactants, amphiphilic molecules, polymers, and other functional materials.

• Perform multi-step organic synthesis, purification, and characterization of chemical compounds.

• Develop and evaluate material formulations, including surfactant solutions and emulsification systems.

• Characterize synthesized materials using analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, chromatography, and other relevant methods.

• Evaluate material properties and performance, including solubility, stability, and interfacial behavior.

• Troubleshoot synthetic procedures, identify opportunities for process improvements, and contribute to scaling laboratory procedures for manufacturing.

• Support routine production, quality control, and quality assurance activities.

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, prepare technical reports, and communicate experimental results during team meetings.

• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Collaborate with colleagues across chemistry, materials science, and microfluidics, and provide technical support to customers when needed.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA/MS/PhD degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in organic synthesis, including multi-step reactions, purification, and compound characterization. Academic research experience is welcome.

• Working knowledge of NMR and FTIR spectroscopy.

• Understanding of fundamental organic chemistry principles, reaction mechanisms, and synthetic methodologies.

• Strong laboratory organization, documentation, and attention to detail.

• Ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and approach problems systematically.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively within a small multidisciplinary team.

• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new techniques and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience synthesizing or working with surfactants, amphiphilic molecules, detergents, emulsifiers, or surface-active compounds.

• Familiarity with surfactant chemistry, self-assembly, micelles, emulsions, or interfacial phenomena.

• Experience in polymer synthesis, functionalization, or modification.

• Familiarity with physicochemical characterization methods such as surface/interfacial tension measurements and critical micelle concentration (CMC).

• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive reactions, including Schlenk line techniques.

• Experience with chromatography and purification techniques.

• Familiarity with chemical drawing software and Microsoft Office.

• Experience with chemical formulation development, process optimization, or scale-up.

What we offer

At RAN Biotech, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of scientific challenges and contribute directly to the development of materials and technologies used by researchers and innovators worldwide.

Our small, collaborative team provides an environment where individual contributions matter, ideas are encouraged, and opportunities exist to expand technical expertise across synthetic chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected], with the subject line "Synthetic Chemist Application."

We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our enthusiasm for chemistry, innovation, and scientific problem-solving.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $65.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of surfactant and amphiphilic chemistry experience do you have?

Experience:

• Synthetic Chemistry, manufacturing & controls: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person