SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST
JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Research Scientist has in-depth knowledge of the chemical reactions that occur when thin films are grown from vapor phase precursors by universal vapor jet printing. This knowledge will inform the choices of precursors, reactor geometries,and reaction conditions employed by UVJP equipment. The Senior Research Scientist will develop new material systems for UVJP and adapt existing material systems to meet customer requirements. He or she will lead efforts to characterize the chemistry of our materials and tools to better understand the UVJP process and improve the predictive power of UVJC’s process models.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interact with customers to understand their unique material specifications and processing needs.
- Work with a broad range of material systems—including organics, metals, and oxides—based on evolving customer and project needs.
- Select precursors to deposit thin films of these materials using UVJC’s deposition tools
- Conduct literature searches and design proof-of-concept experiments to test feasibility of new deposition processes
- Evaluate how process variables influence thin‑film properties and make data-driven adjustments to process recipes.
- Utilize thin‑film characterization tools (SEM, AFM, profilometry, ellipsometry) to evaluate UVJP performance and validate film quality
- Interact with outside labs to perform chemical analysis on thin-film samples and develop in-house chemical analysis capabilities.
- Provide instructions and technical guidance to process engineers and technicians and participate directly in hands‑on laboratory work.
- Develop plans for safely employing reactive or otherwise hazardous chemicals in UVJC’s lab and tools, coordinating with engineering and facilities staff as needed
- Prepare invention disclosures for Senior Research Scientistry related intellectual property and assist with the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
SKILLS
Technical Skills
The Senior Research Scientist must possess a strong understanding of chemical reactions, polymer chemistry as well as the thermodynamics and kinetics of thin-film deposition. He or she must understand how precursor selection and process variables affect film uniformity, structure, and performance. Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition and characterization tools is an advantage. The role requires proficiency design of experiment and data analysis. Competence in statistical analysis using tools such as JMP, MATLAB, or Python is beneficial.
Collaboration and Adaptability Skills
The Senior Research Scientist must collaborate effectively within a team environment. This may include providing clear instructions and guidance to subordinates, conveying technical findings to colleagues and clearly explaining their implications, interacting with customers, and presenting at technical conferences.
Documentation Skills
Competent technical writing in SOPs, lab reports, and process documentation ensures consistency and transparency across the team.
Safety Skills
The Senior Research Scientist will be responsible for developing plans to safely use reactive or otherwise hazardous chemicals in UVJC's laboratory. The Senior Research Scientist will coordinate with engineering and facilities staff when needed to implement these plans. The Senior Research Scientist will also work with the engineering team to ensure that our tools are designed in a way minimizes the end user's chemical exposure risk.
Data Analysis and Numerical Modelling Skills
Strong data analysis skills to interpret trends. The role requires proficiency with data analysis platforms such as JMP, MATLAB, or Python, along with working knowledge of SPC and DOE to support systematic process improvement and enable insightful conclusions.
EDUCATION
- Master of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
- Ph.D.in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (preferred)
EXPERIENCE
- More than 4 years of total work experience in engineering or laboratoryscience
- More than 2 years of hands-on experience in thin-film processing ineither a commercial or academic laboratory
- Familiar with thin-film metrology including SEM, AFM, profilometry
- Familiar with Statistical Process Control / Design of Experiment
- Experience with data analysis and visualization using platforms like JMP, MATLAB, or Python
- Good understanding of Industrial Hygiene and Laboratory Safety
- Ability to communicate through written and oral presentations
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Manage Complexity
Able to interpret complex data sets and ambiguous inputs, transforming them into clear, well‑structured conclusions. Demonstrates strong analytical curiosity and confidence in navigating uncertainty,especially when dealing with interdependent process variables and evolving technical challenges.
Example: Investigate multifactor process failures,identifies root causes through systematic analysis, and recommends clear,actionable corrective measures.
Optimize Work Processes
Continuously improves workflow efficiency,experimental throughput, and documentation quality by identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical enhancements to laboratory and process routines.
Example: Streamline characterization workflows by introducing new tools, simplifying procedures, or automating data‑processing scripts to increase productivity and consistency.
Ensure Accountability
Take ownership of process outcomes, equipment readiness, and data integrity. Follows through on commitments and upholds a high standard of reliability in all laboratory and development activities.
Example:Establish clear experimental plans and consistently delivers results on time, even under tight deadlines.
Cultivate Innovation
Actively explores new technologies,methods, and scientific approaches to enhance process robustness and expand UVJC’s technical capabilities.
Example: Identify limitations in legacy deposition methods and prototypes novel UVJP‑based process sequences to improve performance and throughput.
Decision Quality
Make timely, well‑reasoned decisions grounded in scientific evidence, engineering judgment, and risk assessment—especially when data is incomplete or rapidly evolving.
Example: Select optimal process parameters with limited information, enabling rapid experimental execution without compromising safety or quality.
Communication
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to internal teams, management, and customers. Guide technicians and junior engineers through hands‑on tasks, promotes safe laboratory practices, and maintains high operational standards.
Example: Deliver clear customer presentations summarizing deposition results, risks, and recommended next steps. Implement checklists for equipment operation, improving laboratory efficiency and safety.
Customer-centric
Balance technical feasibility with customer needs project constraints, and commercial considerations to deliver practical and value‑aligned process recommendations.
Example: Tailor deposition process recommendations to align with customer device requirements, material limitations and cost targets.
