Research Scientist

E Ink•Fremont, CA

About The Position

E Ink is seeking a Research Scientist to join its growing Fremont Research & Development team, which develops ePaper products. The role conducts hands-on research in inorganic particle selection, surface functionalization, dispersion, and particle-matrix interface engineering for advanced material systems. It applies organic and polymer chemistry to design surface-modification methods, sources and evaluates particles with varied properties, and establishes chemical and material parameters associated with processing, functional performance, and reliability. The successful candidate will combine chemistry fundamentals, practical surface science, experimental rigor, creative problem solving, and the ability to translate successful concepts into reproducible material and process specifications.

Requirements

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Colloid Science, Surface Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
Strong hands-on background in organic or polymer chemistry, including reaction design, synthesis, modification, purification or workup, and systematic experimental optimization.
Experience with surface functionalization, grafting, coupling chemistry, polymer modification, compatibilization, or related approaches to controlling material interfaces.
Working knowledge of colloid and surface science, including wetting, dispersion, adsorption, agglomeration, interfacial adhesion, and surface stability.
Experience designing particle-treatment experiments and converting successful results into clear, reproducible laboratory protocols and material specifications.
Ability to connect chemical structure and surface composition with particle behavior, processing, material structure, functional performance, and reliability.
Working knowledge of chemical, surface, particle, polymer, dispersion, thermal, and microstructural characterization, and ability to interpret results critically.
Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, technical data visualization, and establishment of critical-to-function parameters and acceptance criteria.
Ability to work safely with chemicals and particles, maintain high-quality experimental records, and collaborate on scale-up and process-transfer activities.

Nice To Haves

A PhD with 0–3 years of directly relevant industrial experience.
Demonstrated creativity and technical problem solving, with a record of inventions, patents, publications, or other evidence of innovation.
Experience with sustainable materials or processing, including lower-impact treatments, solvent reduction, energy-efficient processing, waste minimization, material recovery, or lifecycle-informed material selection.

Responsibilities

Invent, design, and synthesize novel particles through surface functionalization using organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and interfacial science.
Screen, synthesize, and modify surface-active molecules, coupling agents, compatibilizers, oligomers, and polymers to control wetting, dispersion, interfacial interaction, stability, and adhesion.
Source and evaluate inorganic particles or powders by composition, size, size distribution, shape, morphology, purity, surface area, and surface characteristics.
Define particle-selection criteria and specifications based on material compatibility, dispersion behavior, processing needs, functional performance, reliability, availability, and cost.
Establish structure-property relationships among particle attributes, surface chemistry, interface behavior, composite microstructure, processing response, and end-use performance.
Develop laboratory-scale particle-treatment protocols and define critical chemistry, sequence, control, and acceptance parameters for transfer to process development.
Integrate treated particles into representative material systems to assess compatibility, dispersion quality, uniformity, processability, mechanical and thermal behavior, and functional performance.
Work with the characterization and reliability engineer to select appropriate measurements, interpret analytical results, and establish particle and interface acceptance criteria.
Build technical relationships with particle and surface-treatment suppliers; evaluate supplier capability, material consistency, scalability, and quality controls.
Document results clearly, transfer mature treatment concepts and specifications to the process engineer, and generate invention disclosures and patentable concepts in particle and interface engineering.