Staff Materials Research Scientist, PFAS Alternative Discovery

Essential Skills & Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with deep specialization in semiconductor process materials and/or fluorochemistry.
• 6+ years of post-PhD experience (or equivalent) in industrial or applied R&D developing, formulating, or qualifying semiconductor process chemicals — including direct, hands-on experience discovering or evaluating PFAS-lean/PFAS-free alternatives for semiconductor manufacturing and adjacent materials (e.g., wet-etch/clean chemistries, lithography materials, heat-transfer fluids, or data-centre/immersion cooling fluids).
• Working knowledge of semiconductor unit processes (e.g. lithography, etch, CMP, cleaning, thermal management) and the performance and EHS specifications that govern process-material qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to lead application-driven engagements with external industrial partners and to translate fluently between experimental results and computational/modeling requirements.
• Proficiency in Python — sufficient to run and configure computational discovery workflows and interpret their outputs — and comfort collaborating with generative-ML and physics-based simulation teams.
• Familiarity with generative molecular design, high-throughput virtual screening, or ML property prediction for molecules and materials.

Highly Desired Skills & Experience:

• Direct, hands-on experience with PFAS phase-out or fluorine-free reformulation in a fab or specialty-chemicals setting.
• Experience defining qualification protocols or reliability criteria jointly with fabs, OEMs, or chemical suppliers
• Track record of publications or patents in semiconductor materials, fluorochemistry, or PFAS alternatives.
• Experience operating within a CHIPS Act or other federally funded R&D program.