Research Scientist

Role details

Team up with the most innovative company where Imagination becomes reality! E Ink is the originator, pioneer, and commercial leader in ePaper technology. The Fremont Research & Development team is thriving and growing as we help develop products that are changing how people access information every day. We are seeking qualified candidates who are self-driven, looking to advance their career and become a high-impact player on a team. Our diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, thoughts, and perspectives are fostered to create an inclusive work environment. We offer a competitive/generous benefits package that fits the needs of our employees.

It includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, 401k matches, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. This position is also eligible for our bonus program. (see E Ink │ Our Company) About the position: The Research Scientist will conduct hands-on research in inorganic particle selection, surface functionalization, dispersion, and particle-matrix interface engineering for advanced material systems.

The role will apply organic and polymer chemistry to design and develop surface-modification methods; will source and evaluate particles with varied composition, size, shape, morphology, and surface characteristics; and establish critical chemical/material parameters that correlate with processing, functional performance, and reliability. The ideal candidate combines strong organic or polymer chemistry fundamentals with practical surface science, experimental rigor, creative problem solving, and the ability to translate successful concepts into reproducible material and process specifications.

Responsibilities

Invent, design, and synthesize novel particles by surface-functionalization using principles of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and interfacial science. Screen, synthesize, modify surface-active molecules, coupling agents, compatibilizers, oligomers, and polymers that control wetting, dispersion, interfacial interaction, stability, and adhesion. Source and evaluate a broad range of inorganic particles or powers with controlled composition, size, size distribution, shape, morphology, purity, surface area, and surface characteristics.

Define particle-selection criteria and specifications based on material compatibility, dispersion behavior, processing needs, functional performance, reliability, availability, and cost. Establish structure-property relationships between particle attributes, surface chemistry, interface behavior, composite microstructure, processing response, and end-use performance. Develop laboratory-scale particle-treatment protocols and define critical chemistry, sequence, control, and acceptance parameters for transfer to process development.

Integrate treated particles into representative material systems to assess compatibility, dispersion quality, uniformity, processability, mechanical and thermal behavior, and functional performance. Work with the characterization and reliability engineer to select appropriate measurements, interpret analytical results, and establish particle and interface acceptance criteria. Build technical relationships with particle and surface-treatment; evaluate supplier capability, material consistency, scalability, and quality controls.

Document results clearly, transfer mature treatment concepts and specifications to the process engineer, and generate invention disclosures and patentable concepts in particle and interface engineering.

Qualifications

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Colloid Science, Surface Science, Materials Science, or a related field; a Ph.D. with 0-3 years of directly relevant industrial experience. Strong hands-on background in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry, including reaction design, synthesis, modification, purification or workup, and systematic experimental optimization. Experience with surface functionalization, grafting, coupling chemistry, polymer modification, compatibilization, or related approaches for controlling material interfaces. Working knowledge of colloid and surface science, including wetting, dispersion, adsorption, agglomeration, interfacial adhesion, and surface stability.

Experience designing particle-treatment experiments and converting successful results into clear, reproducible laboratory protocols and material specifications. Ability to connect chemical structure and surface composition with particle behavior, processing, material structure, functional performance, and reliability. Working knowledge of chemical, surface, particle, polymer, dispersion, thermal, and microstructural characterization, with the ability to interpret results critically. Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, technical data visualization, and establishment of critical-to-function parameters and acceptance criteria.

Ability to work safely with chemicals and particles, maintain high-quality experimental records, and collaborate on scale-up and process-transfer activities. Demonstrated creativity and technical problem solving, with a record of inventions, patents, publications, or other evidence of innovation preferred. Experience with sustainable materials or processing is preferred, including lower-impact treatments, solvent reduction, energy-efficient processing, waste minimization, material recovery, or lifecycle-informed material selection.

Benefits

Competitive Total Compensation Package Medical, Dental and Vision on 1 st day Company 401K match Paid Time Off & Holidays Sick Leave Policy Casual day to day work environment Hybrid/flexible work environment (for some positions) Compensation Disclosure: At E Ink, we believe in rewarding employees with competitive total compensation through a combination of base salary and performance-based bonuses, with a larger portion of total compensation delivered through our annual bonus program than is typical at many companies.

To provide applicants with a more complete picture of our compensation philosophy, we are disclosing both the estimated annual total compensation and the annual base salary range for this position. For this position, the estimated annual total compensation range is $138,000 - $200,000, based on the Company's most recent annual bonus payout. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $148,000. The annual base salary range reflects the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary it reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting.

Actual starting base salary is determined based on job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, certifications, and other qualifications. Annual bonus payments are based on Company performance, are not guaranteed, and may be higher or lower than the estimate reflected above. E Ink is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, identity, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, disability, age, or on any basis prohibited by federal and state law. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. E Ink is committed to protecting the privacy of its employees and candidates for employment. Pursuant to the California Privacy Rights Act, please see our E Ink Corporation CPRA Notice at Collection and E Ink Corporation California Resident Privacy Policy E Ink is committed to protecting the privacy of its employees and candidates for employment. Pursuant to the California Privacy Rights Act, please see our E Ink Corporation CPRA Notice at Collection and E Ink Corporation California Resident Privacy Policy