Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Bethlehem, PA

With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Hatfield, PA, EFC GASES & ADVANCED MATERIALS is a leading supplier of specialty gases, fluorocarbons and rare gases. We supply quality products to global gas distributors, with unparalleled service. We are growing and are looking to add to our team of intelligent and innovative talent who work collaboratively to ensure success and growth for the future. Come join our team!

EFC currently offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents, including health and dental insurance; voluntary vision insurance; access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); 401(k) retirement plan with a Safe Harbor match; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holiday time; Tuition Reimbursement program. The company is committed to supporting our employees' professional development, well-being, and financial security. 

We have an immediate opening for a Research Scientist. Reporting to the Sr. R&D Director, this position will be responsible for working independently in support of new product development and legacy product support and growth. Primary functions will include the development of process chemistry, purification and analytical technology to support the commercialization of new products originating in the R&D organization of Electronic Fluorocarbons.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and carry out multi-step organic and organometallic syntheses to develop new molecules, catalysts, intermediates, and advanced materials for research and product development.
• Develop, optimize, and scale synthetic routes to improve reaction performance, yield, selectivity, purity, and overall process efficiency.
• Perform air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry using Schlenk techniques and glovebox operations to safely handle sensitive reagents and compounds.
• Synthesize, isolate, purify, and characterize organic and organometallic compounds using techniques such as chromatography, crystallization, distillation, and a variety of spectroscopic methods.
• Interpret analytical data from NMR (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P), GC-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis, GC, and elemental analysis to verify molecular structure, composition, and product quality.
• Investigate and optimize reaction conditions by evaluating catalysts, ligands, solvents, temperatures, and other key process variables to improve synthetic outcomes.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers across analytical chemistry, process development, materials science, manufacturing, and other functional groups to support research goals and project timelines.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and prepare clear technical reports, SOPs, research summaries, and other scientific documentation.
• Communicate research progress and experimental results through presentations, technical reports, publications, and patent disclosures when applicable.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, chemical hygiene practices, and company quality and environmental standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates by providing technical guidance, training, and support while fostering a collaborative laboratory culture.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing tasks, and consistently deliver high-quality results within established timelines in a fast-paced R&D environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on synthetic chemistry.
• 5+ years of hands-on research experience in organic and/or organometallic synthesis in an industrial or academic research environment (postdoctoral experience may be considered).
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing multi-step organic syntheses and developing robust synthetic methodologies.
• Experience handling air- and moisture-sensitive compounds using Schlenk line and glovebox techniques.
• Strong knowledge of purification techniques, including flash chromatography, crystallization, distillation, and related separation methods.
• Proficiency in structural characterization and interpretation of analytical data, including NMR (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P), GC-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis, GC, and elemental analysis.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot synthetic challenges, optimize reaction conditions, and solve complex chemistry problems independently.
• Experience maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and preparing technical reports, SOPs, and scientific documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present scientific findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and compliance with environmental, health, and quality standards.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand and walk
• Continually required to sit, talk and hear
• Occasionally required to utilize hand and finger dexterity and to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl

• Continually work near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job posting restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are a drug-free workplace and are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for our employees.  Employment with our company is contingent upon a successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.