Scientist, Polymer Synthesis

Location:

Cambridge, MA (The Engine, MIT.nano, and Harvard’s Center for Nanoscale Systems)
Job Type: Full-time
The Opportunity

We re hiring a Scientist specializing in Polymer Synthesis to join the product development team alongside our CTO, Phil Hustad (PhD Cornell, 24 years at Dow and 3M, 150+ patents). This is a hands‑on lab role where you ll own the architectural design, synthesis, and molecular characterization of Vio Nano’s core polymer platforms. You will have real ownership over experimental direction and synthetic strategies, translating novel chemical concepts into scalable, qualified materials that define our commercial path.

If you want to do high‑impact work in an environment where your synthetic expertise is directly visible, this is that job.

Design and execute complex polymer syntheses using advanced techniques, including anionic and controlled free radical polymerizations, to achieve precise architectures, ultra‑narrow molecular weight distributions, and targeted end‑group chemistry.

Run and interpret rigorous polymer characterization experiments (including GPC/SEC, NMR, MALDI-TOF, and thermal analysis) to validate polymer structure and purity.

Drive the transition of successful synthetic routes from bench‑scale exploration to larger R&D quantities, collaborating closely with external contract research organizations (CROs) and internal formulation teams.

Partner directly with the CTO to define experimental roadmaps, build IP documentation, and establish repeatable laboratory workflows.

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated capability through industry experience (we ll consider exceptional candidates without a PhD who have a strong track record).

Deep, hands‑on academic expertise in advanced living or controlled polymerization techniques, specifically anionic polymerization and/or controlled free radical methods (RAFT, ATRP, etc.).

Proven track record of utilizing advanced characterization tools (GPC, NMR, etc.) to elucidate complex polymer structures.

Comfortable working at lab scale in an agile, early‑stage environment where you can creatively design experiments with limited equipment to yield meaningful results.

Strong scientific communication skills, with the ability to write clear experimental reports and present findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

A strong foundational understanding of polymer physics (e.g., chain thermodynamics, phase separation, thin‑film behavior, or surface dynamics) to help guide material design.

Familiarity with electronic materials, semiconductor lithography, or surface modification chemistry.

Prior startup experience or a proactive, self‑directed working style where you thrive on solving unmapped technical problems.

You re someone who is energized by working in a space where the answers aren t known yet. You take ownership of problems rather than waiting for direction. You re rigorous but pragmatic. You know when a perfect result is worth waiting for and when a good‑enough result unblocks the next step. You want to see your work matter, and you want to work with people who are genuinely excellent.

The opportunity to be one of the first scientists at a company doing genuinely new work in semiconductor materials

Direct collaboration with a world‑class technical founding team

Daily access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities at The Engine and MIT.nano

Competitive salary and meaningful early‑stage equity

Cambridge, MA location — on‑site (lab work requires physical presence)