Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry at Ultima Genomics, the individual will focus on leading research and development for surface-modified substrates, designing surface chemistries, and establishing scalable processes. Key skills include expertise in surface chemistry, hands-on metrology experience, and proficiency in statistical process control. This position is ideal for candidates with significant industry experience, particularly those with a PhD or extensive background in chemistry or materials science. The collaborative environment at Ultima Genomics fosters innovation across various scientific disciplines.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Ultima Genomics's careers page November 2, 2026.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,111).
Starts above 18% of 1271 comparable senior other roles in United States we track (median $144,000 across 188 companies).
Statistical Process Control appears in 0.3% of 2614 comparable senior other roles in United States; FTIR appears in 0.1% of 2614 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Fremont, California, United States.
What's the salary range?: Ultima Genomics lists $120,000–$140,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: 3–8 years of relevant experience for this Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry role.
Where is the role based?: Ultima Genomics is hiring for this position in Fremont, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: AFM, FTIR, SEM, Statistical Process Control, XPS, ellipsometry.
What seniority level is this role?: Ultima Genomics targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry role at Ultima Genomics.

From the original posting

Rapidly Growing Life Sciences Technology Company

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry to join our team!

As a Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry, you will lead R&D and process development for surface-modified substrates. You will design surface chemistries, build metrology-to-performance correlations, and deliver robust, scalable processes with clear standard operating procedures (SOPs).

This is a full-time onsite position at our Fremont, CA location.

How You’ll Contribute

Develop and scale surface functionalization processes; link chemistry and process settings to assay and product performance
Design and optimize surface chemistries, including organosilanes, thiols/SAMs, linkers, passivation and blocking strategies, and biomolecule immobilization
Run Design of Experiments (DOE) driven optimization and define robust operating windows and control plans
Build Quality Control (QC) workflows, including metrology panels, acceptance criteria, and correlation models between metrology and functional performance
Own troubleshooting and failure analysis; drive corrective actions via process controls and SOP updates
Drive innovation by prototyping next-gen coatings and chemistries, assessing feasibility and risk, and recommending paths forward
Partner cross-functionally with chemistry, biology and engineering teams and mentor technicians and junior staff
Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, or related field
BS with 8+ years, MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years of related industry experience. PhD is preferred
Hands on experience supporting a commercial product where surface chemistry is a key component
Strong surface chemistry and surface characterization skills with ability to correlate measurements to function
Hands-on metrology experience, including AFM, Ellipsometry, XPS, FTIR, SEM, fluorescence microscopy; additional techniques are a plus
Proven SOP authoring and release and documentation discipline in a product development environment
Demonstrated project leadership in framing, planning/DOE, execution, analysis, and excellent communication skills
Experience with vapor-phase and CVD-style deposition of organosilanes, thiols, or related surface chemistries, biomaterials coatings and/or bioconjugation chemistry
Familiarity with microfabrication context such as PVD/CVD/PECVD/ALD, lithography, etch, wet bench/cleaning
Data and image analysis (Python, FIJI, JMP, Matlab/Octave, R)
Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor process stability and variation

At Ultima Genomics, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays between $120,000 and $140,000, if performed in California, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending & health savings account; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.

#LI-Onsite

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics’ EEO Policy and Know Your Rights. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting recruiting@ultimagen.com.

Standard company text repeated across Ultima Genomics's postings is omitted here.

Senior Scientist, Surface Chemistry

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