Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Technology Company

Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top-tier investors. Our team brings together unique and diverse expertise across multiple disciplines, from healthcare and life sciences, to engineering, to technology and software and beyond. We are a collaborative group, including successful entrepreneurs, chemists, hardware and software engineers, genomics and biotechnology experts, molecular and computational biologists, software and algorithm experts, and operations and commercial leaders. Join us to develop and commercialize technologies that unleash the power of genomics at scale and empower the future of human health. 

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry to join our team!

As a Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry, you will lead R&D and process development for surface-modified substrates. You will design surface chemistries, build metrology-to-performance correlations, and deliver robust, scalable processes with clear standard operating procedures (SOPs).

This is a full-time onsite position at our Fremont, CA location.

How You’ll Contribute

• Develop and scale surface functionalization processes; link chemistry and process settings to assay and product performance
• Design and optimize surface chemistries, including organosilanes, thiols/SAMs, linkers, passivation and blocking strategies, and biomolecule immobilization
• Run Design of Experiments (DOE) driven optimization and define robust operating windows and control plans
• Build Quality Control (QC) workflows, including metrology panels, acceptance criteria, and correlation models between metrology and functional performance
• Own troubleshooting and failure analysis; drive corrective actions via process controls and SOP updates
• Drive innovation by prototyping next-gen coatings and chemistries, assessing feasibility and risk, and recommending paths forward
• Partner cross-functionally with chemistry, biology and engineering teams and mentor technicians and junior staff
• Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, or related field
• BS with 8+ years, MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years of related industry experience. PhD is preferred
• Hands on experience supporting a commercial product where surface chemistry is a key component
• Strong surface chemistry and surface characterization skills with ability to correlate measurements to function
• Hands-on metrology experience, including AFM, Ellipsometry, XPS, FTIR, SEM, fluorescence microscopy; additional techniques are a plus
• Proven SOP authoring and release and documentation discipline in a product development environment
• Demonstrated project leadership in framing, planning/DOE, execution, analysis, and excellent communication skills
• Experience with vapor-phase and CVD-style deposition of organosilanes, thiols, or related surface chemistries, biomaterials coatings and/or bioconjugation chemistry
• Familiarity with microfabrication context such as PVD/CVD/PECVD/ALD, lithography, etch, wet bench/cleaning
• Data and image analysis (Python, FIJI, JMP, Matlab/Octave, R)
• Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor process stability and variation

At Ultima Genomics, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays between $120,000 and $140,000, if performed in California, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.  This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending & health savings account; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics’ EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting [email protected].