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Surface Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fujifilm

Sr. Surface Chemist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of ... A. fuels innovation in the semiconductor industry--where chemistry meets technology. Our advanced ...

Fujifilm

Sr. Surface Chemist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of ... A. fuels innovation in the semiconductor industry-where chemistry meets technology. Our advanced ...

Fujifilm

Sr. Surface Chemist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of ... A. fuels innovation in the semiconductor industry-where chemistry meets technology. Our advanced ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Chemistry Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$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

Wichita, KS · Remote

$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

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$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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How much do surface chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 careers in chemistry make the most money?

In chemistry, careers such as chemical engineering, pharmaceutical research, and materials science tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and work in industries like biotechnology, petrochemicals, or manufacturing, offering six-figure incomes for experienced professionals.

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 5 potential jobs for chemistry?

In surface chemistry, potential jobs include research scientist, materials scientist, chemical engineer, quality control analyst, and product development specialist. These roles often require knowledge of chemical properties, laboratory skills, and familiarity with analytical tools like spectroscopy and microscopy.

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 highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in industrial research and development, such as senior research scientists or chemical engineers, especially in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and specialty chemicals industries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in specialized areas like process engineering or materials science, with salaries reaching six figures or more annually.

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 is the salary of M.Sc. chemistry?

The salary for someone with an M.Sc. in chemistry working in surface chemistry or related roles typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized research roles can earn higher salaries.

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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What states have the most Surface Chemistry jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Chemistry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Chemistry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Chemistry jobs are:
Surface Chemistry jobs near you
Staff Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Staff Scientist, Surface Chemistry

Element Biosciences

San Diego, CA • On-site

$158K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our surface chemistry team and provide scientific leadership in the development of innovative new products in the field of next-generation sequencing and multiomics applications. In this role, you will lead execution across multiple projects, drive innovation through original ideas and thought leadership, and serve as a key scientific collaborator across functions to translate research concepts into robust, manufacturable products. This role will report to the Director, Surface Chemistry and will be a San Diego based role.
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and evaluate novel surface chemistry approaches to enable next-generation sequencing/multiomics applications
  • Design and evaluate novel surface chemistry solutions on microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices, with a strong understanding of how device geometry and flow conditions influence surface performance and assay outcomes
  • Define and lead product development efforts, including experimental design, prototyping, functional testing, and data analysis
  • Troubleshoot performance issues related to surface fouling, non-specific binding, or cell compatibility
  • Identify and resolve experimental challenges related to assay design, protocol execution, reagent selection, and surface performance
  • Support the transfer of surface chemistry solutions from research into product development and manufacturing, in collaboration with process development and operations teams
  • Maintain hands-on scientific leadership, setting the direction for laboratory experimentation and troubleshooting while mentoring junior scientists and guiding their technical development
  • Contribute innovative ideas and technical insight to early-stage concept development and feasibility assessments
  • Contribute technical expertise to invention disclosures and patent applications in collaboration with the IP legal team and senior technical leadership
  • Collaborate effectively with colleagues in product management, assay development, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure alignment and successful execution
  • Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports and presentations that summarize findings, support decision-making, and document development progress

Education and Experience:
  • PhD in chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, bioengineering, physics, or a related field
  • 6+ years of relevant industry experience in surface chemistry, materials science, or biomolecular interfaces in life sciences or diagnostics
  • Strong publication and presentation record, with contributions to patents or novel methods
  • Deep expertise in surface chemistry, polymer chemistry and biomolecule-surface interactions is required
  • Background in NGS, genomics, proteomics or multiomics platforms is required
  • Familiarity with microfluidic device design principles and an understanding of how channel geometry, surface-to-volume ratios, and flow dynamics influence surface chemistry performance and assay outcomes; experience with device fabrication (e.g., soft lithography, PDMS) or working with commercial lab-on-chip platforms is preferred
  • Familiarity with surface analytical techniques such as AFM, ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM, TOF-SIMS, and XPS are preferred
  • Familiarity with manufacturing constraints, process transfer or scale-up
  • Operate with a high degree of independence in experimental planning, execution, and data interpretation, requiring minimal day-to-day supervision
  • Apply strong scientific judgment to extrapolate from existing expertise and address novel or ambiguous technical challenges
  • Proactively identify risks, knowledge gaps, and opportunities, and propose data-driven paths forward that shape project scope and organizational priorities
  • Communicate with clarity and purpose across disciplines, enabling alignment, informed decisions, and efficient collaboration

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
  • The position requires physical activity and the handling of chemicals. Candidates are required to follow the safety protocols and be familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the laboratory environment

Location:
  • San Diego (on-site)

Travel:
  • Up to 5%

Job Type:
  • Full-time, Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range:
  • $158,000 - $197,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

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