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Surface Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aculon, Inc

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Technical Sales Specialist (Surface Chemistry)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Surface Chemistry) role at our corporate headquarters. We're looking for someone who is not only a team player but thrives on follow-through and takes pride in getting things done right the first ...

Aculon, Inc

Be Seen First

Technical Sales Specialist (Surface Chemistry)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Surface Chemistry) role at our corporate headquarters. We're looking for someone who is not only a team player but thrives on follow-through and takes pride in getting things done right the first ...

Finish Tech Corp

Chemist

Warminster, PA · On-site

Finish Tech, & Everwhite are manufacturing and materials-focused companies specializing in coatings, surface chemistry, and engineered process solutions. Finish Tech has expertise in advanced Surface ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Chemistry Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of thermodynamics laws, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular symmetry. Ability to explain ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Chemistry Tutor

SD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of thermodynamics laws, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular symmetry. Ability to explain ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Chemistry Tutor

Tulsa, OK · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of thermodynamics laws, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular symmetry. Ability to explain ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Chemistry Tutor

Lubbock, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of thermodynamics laws, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular symmetry. Ability to explain ...

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Surface Chemistry information

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$13

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How much do surface chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface chemistry and what do surface chemists do?

Surface chemistry is the study of chemical reactions and phenomena that occur at the interface of two phases, such as between a solid and a liquid, or a solid and a gas. Surface chemists investigate how molecules interact with surfaces, which is important for fields like catalysis, materials science, corrosion, and nanotechnology. They use specialized techniques to analyze surface properties and develop new materials or processes for industries including energy, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or materials science, typically supported by a relevant degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) and experience with surface analysis techniques. Proficiency with instruments such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and related data analysis software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, effective collaboration, and innovation in developing new materials or surface treatments.

What is the difference between Surface Chemistry vs Chemical Technician?

AspectSurface ChemistryChemical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemistry or Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industrial R&D, materials developmentManufacturing plants, laboratories, quality control
Industry UsageMaterials science, coatings, nanotechnologyProduction, testing, process support

Surface Chemistry specialists focus on understanding and manipulating surface interactions at the molecular level, often working in research and development settings. Chemical Technicians support manufacturing and testing processes, assisting in chemical analysis and quality control. While both roles require chemistry knowledge, Surface Chemistry roles are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Technicians are more operational and practical in industry settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in surface chemistry, and how can they be addressed in a research or industrial setting?

Professionals in surface chemistry often encounter challenges such as ensuring reproducibility of surface modifications, managing contamination, and accurately characterizing surface properties at the nanoscale. Addressing these issues typically involves adopting rigorous laboratory protocols, utilizing advanced analytical instruments (like XPS or AFM), and collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—including materials scientists and engineers—to optimize experimental design. Staying updated with evolving surface analysis techniques and maintaining meticulous documentation are also vital for overcoming these common challenges.
More about Surface Chemistry jobs
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Surface Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Chemistry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant

Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant

Astera Institute

Emeryville, CA • Remote

$150 - $200/hr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Astera

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.

Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.

Position Summary

The Astera Institute is seeking a Bioconjugate & Surface-Chemistry Consultant to advise on and develop the surface chemistry that anchors a DNA-origami structure to a device surface with controlled placement and orientation. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a contract position.

Responsibilities

  • Design site-specific attachment chemistry (e.g., photochemical or click approaches) to anchor the DNA-origami structure to the device surface with controlled coverage and orientation.

  • Advise on functionalization of the dielectric and polymer surfaces in the device stack.

  • Develop these approaches into a laboratory standardized protocol for implementation by others.

  • Troubleshoot attachment yield and orientation with the wet-lab team, and recommend methods to characterize anchor quality.

Qualifications and Experience

  • PhD-level expertise in bioconjugation and surface chemistry.

  • A track record with DNA or biomolecule surface tethering and photochemistry / click chemistry.

  • Availability for a fractional, advisory engagement, with periodic on-site lab work in Emeryville, reducing proposed protocols into viable, technician-executable tasks.

Location

This position is hybrid at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.

Compensation

This is a contract engagement. Compensation is a competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and the agreed scope and duration of work.

Cultural Alignment

  • Surprising problem-solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.

  • High standards, internally driven – you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.

  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship – you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions