R&D Polymer Chemist

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Polymer and Synthetic Chemist with deep expertise in polymer synthesis and organic synthesis to create new molecular and polymer platforms in advanced semiconductor packaging. The ideal candidate combines hands‑on synthetic chemistry with an understanding of product application requirements, and understands structure-function relationships to deliver tailored materials for thermal, electrical, interfacial and mechanical performance. Experience with lithography and adhesives is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

• Design and execute polymer synthesis (e.g., step‑growth, free‑radical/controlled radical such as RAFT/ATRP, thermoset B-staging) and organic synthesis of monomers, oligomers, and functional small molecules for high‑purity, semiconductor‑grade applications.
• Author technical reports and patents, with strong communication and documentation and firm understanding of patent strategy and criteria.
• Assess scientific literature, patent landscapes, prior art, and competitive approaches to guide research direction and support freedom‑to‑operate and IP decisions.
• Apply statistical reasoning
  , such as how to apply confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and how residuals affect models to draw strong conclusions through experimental rigor, familiarity with statistics software is preferred.
• Build and qualify analytics for polymers and small molecules (GPC/SEC, NMR, 2D NMR, LC/MS or MALDI, HPLC/UPLC, FT‑IR, DSC/TGA, rheology, residual solvents/ions, metals) and deliver deep structural insights to correlate with product performance.
• Incorporate EHS and process safety (thermal hazard screening, CHETAH/DSC/ARC as applicable) into scale‑up; participate in PHA (process hazard analysis).
• (Preferred) Apply formulation principles to synthesized materials design with respect to lithography and adhesives. Develop understanding of formulation templates and key concepts that inform accelerated recursive development of materials.

Project & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Collaborate across Qnity to develop strong cross functional relationships of different materials toolboxes available and Qnity’s unique material portfolio.
• Collaborate across R&D, Applications, Manufacturing, Product Management, Quality, and Supply Chain to align transfer of new materials to scale up and products.
• Coordinate with global teammates across Americas/EMEA/APAC time zones; plan/attend meetings outside local business hours when necessary.
• Mentor junior scientists/engineers in synthetic methods, data analysis, documentation rigor, and good manufacturing practices.

Qualifications:

Required

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science/Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related field; 3+ years industrial experience in polymer and/or organic synthesis
  .
• Demonstrated success tailoring material platforms for product performance and customer requirements, especially with respect to lithography and adhesives.
• Track record of creative and innovative thinking
  , developing and introducing new materials and methods into relevant applications through testable hypotheses and experimental plans while generating clear conclusions and next steps.
• Track record of IP generation (patents, trade secrets) and/or external publications.
• Proficiency with core polymer/chemical analytics (GPC, NMR, 2D NMR, LC/MS or MALDI, HPLC, FT‑IR).
• Hands‑on experience developing isolation and purification strategies for polymers, monomers, or specialty chemicals, with attention to residual monomers, solvents, catalysts, metals, ions, and particles.
• Proven track record executing projects through Stage‑Gate or Phase‑Gate frameworks.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills; ability to present complex data to technical and business stakeholders.
• Flexibility to collaborate with a global team across time zones, including occasional early‑morning or evening meetings.
• Ability to travel domestically/internationally (