Organic Synthesis Chemist

A rapidly growing San Diego-based, specialty surface coatings company is seeking a highly motivated individual for a full-time role a skilled Synthetic Chemist. This individual will work in the company’s laboratory designing new synthetic pathways and synthesizing new and existing molecules and polymers to support.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design synthetic pathways for new molecules and carry out these syntheses independently.
• Synthesize, and scale up existing ‘recipes’ for known molecules/polymers to support existing product sales.
• Methods are typical wet chemistry techniques and laboratory/bench-scale equipment (hot plates, mixers, thin-layer chromatography, pressure and vacuum filtration, furnaces, rotary evaporators, schlenk lines.
• Experience in free radical polymerization chemistry is desired but not required.
• Experience with oligomerization of perfluoroether compounds (e.g. hexafluoropropylene oxide) is not required but would be an extremely valuable skillset.
• Characterize materials using established techniques including NMR, mass spectrometry, and FT-IR.
• Develop fundamental understanding of key synthesis variables affecting reaction yields and purity
• Set up, conduct experiments on, and operate laboratory-, bench-, and/or pilot-scale reactor systems and other test equipment
• Handle chemicals, solutions, flammable solvents, oxidizing materials, compressed gases, etc.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data
• Maintain inventory of chemicals
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of project activities
• Write detailed reports on synthetic procedures as well as define parameters and standard operating procedures for scale up
• Assist the CTO in training colleagues to learn basic organic synthesis
• Work with Company’s Safety Officer to produce safe operating procedures for synthetic procedures

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A PhD in Chemistry is required with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience in organic synthesis.
• Sound working knowledge of chemical principles, basic unit operations, and laboratory equipment used in organic materials synthesis and of proper laboratory safety practices
• Experience in material characterization techniques and analytical methods desirable
• Background in synthesis and scale-up of organophosphonate compounds is desirable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with project team members and, as appropriate, interactions with external clients
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize and work effectively on multiple tasks
• Ability to work efficiently and independently (or with minimum supervision) to accomplish work assignments

Working Conditions

• Indoor, in person in environmentally controlled conditions
• Perform job tasks, and in contact with others (by phone, face to face, or virtual, as required)
• In person interview process

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Stock Options

Schedule:

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday to Friday