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Surface Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC ...

$84/hr

Mercor is seeking computational scientists specializing in atomistic and surface modeling to support a frontier AI research lab building models for materials science and the physical sciences. This ...

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We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

... electrocatalysts, and/or surface science and modification techniques. Essential Job ... Responsibilities: The Senior Research Scientist should expect to plan, lead, and execute laboratory ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$87K - $119K/yr

... electrocatalysts, and/or surface science and modification techniques. Essential Job ... Responsibilities: The Senior Research Scientist should expect to plan, lead, and execute laboratory ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

... electrocatalysts, and/or surface science and modification techniques. Essential Job ... Responsibilities * Plan, lead, and execute laboratory efforts of relevant projects surrounding ...

Research Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Strong background in polymer materials, surface science, interfaces, emulsions, encapsulation, dispersions, soft matter, or formulation science. * Experience designing experiments, analyzing complex ...

Sr. Scientist - Electrochemist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

As part of the Material and Applied Surface Science group, you will play an integral role in developing new sequencing technologies and related applications. As the company moves fast so does the ...

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Surface Scientist information

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$10

$34

$71

How much do surface scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface scientist in the United States is $34.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $45.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface scientist?

Surface scientists are specialists who study the physical and chemical properties of surfaces and interfaces. Their work involves understanding how materials interact at the atomic or molecular level, which is crucial for developing new materials, coatings, and technologies in industries such as electronics, energy, and healthcare. Surface scientists use advanced techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy to analyze surface phenomena and contribute to innovations in fields like nanotechnology and catalysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface scientist?

To thrive as a Surface Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, or physics, typically with an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a related field. Familiarity with surface characterization techniques such as XPS, AFM, SEM, and relevant data analysis software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in research and collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting precise analyses, interpreting complex data, and contributing to advancements in surface science applications.

What are some common challenges a surface scientist might face when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams?

Surface Scientists often work closely with chemists, physicists, engineers, and material scientists. One common challenge is bridging the communication gap between different disciplines, as each may use specialized terminology and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing the need for detailed, surface-level analysis with broader project goals can require flexibility and strong project management skills. Building effective collaborations often involves proactively sharing insights and aligning on experimental designs to ensure successful outcomes.
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Cities with the most Surface Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Surface Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surface Scientist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surface Scientist jobs?

For Surface Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Surface Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,053 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

R&D Scientist - Polymer & Surface Chemistry

Newark, DE • On-site

Sepax Technologies, Inc.
Biotechnology Research and Development • 11 - 50 employees

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

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Job description

Join Sepax Technologies and help develop the next generation of chromatography materials.

We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC products.

This is a hands-on research position for a scientist who enjoys designing experiments, synthesizing and modifying materials, solving complex chemistry problems, and translating laboratory research into real-world separation technologies.

The successful candidate will work on projects involving polymer and/or silica-based materials, surface functionalization, particle chemistry, chromatography, and separation science at our headquarters in Newark, Delaware.


Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong hands-on research experience in polymer synthesis, materials synthesis, surface chemistry, surface modification, functionalization, or related chemistry.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot synthesis challenges, interpret results, and optimize experimental conditions.
  • Experience using analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate synthesized or modified materials.
  • Strong scientific documentation, data analysis, and technical communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Highly Preferred Experience

  • Silica particle synthesis and/or silica surface modification.
  • Polymer functionalization, grafting, coating, or surface immobilization.
  • Development of porous materials or functional particles.
  • HPLC stationary-phase or chromatography-media development.
  • HPLC method development and separation science.
  • Understanding of structure-property relationships as they relate to chromatographic performance.
  • Experience taking a material or chemistry concept from initial synthesis through optimization and performance evaluation.

What You'll Work On

  • Design, synthesize, modify, and characterize advanced materials for chromatographic separations.
  • Develop and optimize surface-modification and functionalization chemistries.
  • Investigate relationships between material structure, surface chemistry, and chromatographic performance.
  • Design experiments to troubleshoot synthesis, reproducibility, and product-performance challenges.
  • Evaluate new chemistries and materials for potential use in HPLC stationary phases and separation products.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Technology, and Production teams to transition successful research concepts toward scalable products.
  • Document experimental methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Contribute scientific ideas to new product development and continuous improvement of existing technologies.
  • File patent applications.

Company Description

Sepax is a fast-growing technology company and has emerged as a leader in the biological separation industry. Sepax has been developing a wide range of intellectual properties in the areas of particle synthesis, surface modification, LC column packing, bulk media production and purification process development. Sepax Technologies, Inc. focuses on three business areas: 1) bioanalytical solutions, 2) solution-based process purification and 3) medical diagnostics. Sepax Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Sepax Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sepax is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

At Sepax, scientists have the opportunity to work directly on technologies that become real-world separation products. Our expertise spans particle synthesis, surface modification, chromatography media, LC column technology, and purification development.

As a member of our R&D team, you'll work in a hands-on environment where scientific ideas can move from experimental concept through development and ultimately into products used by customers in the life science and biopharmaceutical industries.