Polymer Chemist

Lightwave Logic: (Nasdaq: LWLG) is a publicly traded materials and device development company that is conducting cutting-edge work to commercialize its proprietary organic nonlinear polymers for a variety of electro-optic devices and pushing the state of the art in high-speed fiber-optic telecom and data communications. Our development roadmap is geared to disrupt the industry by introducing organic modulators and related photonic integrated circuits that have superior speed, lower power consumption, and smaller size than current technologies. Our materials and devices are extendable into other applications, including sensors and instrumentation.

Overview

We are seekinga Polymer Chemist to join our team in Englewood, CO. The Polymer Chemist leads technical projects to design and synthesize novel polymers, optimizing processes for enhanced yield and purity. They apply advanced characterization techniques to develop structure-property relationships and ensure quality standards are met. By staying current with scientific literature and collaborating across teams, they drive innovation and efficiency. This role involves mentoring junior staff, supporting IP development, and maintaining safety standards, contributing significantly to the team's success in achieving company goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical projects in the design of novel polymers with desired properties.
• Independently conduct polymerization synthesis experiments using various methodologies.
• Optimize isolation and purification procedures of polymers to enhance yield and purity.
• Apply and interpret data from various characterization instruments/methods to analyze identity and purity of products, as well as develop structure-property relationships of synthesized polymers.
• Ensure final products achieve minimum standards of quality.
• Research innovative purification and testing methods, as well as technologies that could improve polymer properties.
• Remain current on relevant scientific literature.
• Maintain a collaborative work environment with colleagues in wide-ranging roles within the company; use this collaboration to advance the goals of the company and enhance the output of the chemistry team.
• Punctually and thoroughly record all work and data in e-notebook, as well as summarize and report ongoing work to the group regularly.
• Mentor and train junior chemists/ technicians.
• Delegate tasks to junior chemists/ technicians and oversee their work to ensure the team runs efficiently and produces results in a timely manner with the highest quality.
• Support the company’s IP portfolio by proposing and reviewing patent applications.
• Exhibit safety awareness, safe work practices, and common laboratory hygiene and ensure that all members of the chemistry team abide by the safety policies of the company.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• PhD in organic chemistry (or related) + 3 years postdoctoral experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience in polymer research and development, synthesis, and purification.
• In-depth knowledge of synthetic methodology and reaction mechanisms.
• Fundamental understanding of how a polymer's molecular structure impacts its final physical and chemical properties (e.g., mechanical strength, thermal stability, rheology).
• Experience in the multi-step synthesis of complex small molecules, including reaction design and execution, is a plus.
• Ability to conduct literature searches for specific target molecules and reactions; ability to use the literature to design efficient synthetic routes, as well as troubleshoot problematic reactions.
• Thorough understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and ability to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
• Quality-first mindset, which leads to the production of highly pure final products.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, but also lead a team effectively and efficiently, as well as work across and within groups to support the goals of the company.
• Ability to organize work efficiently, carry out multiple operations in parallel, and successfully complete projects in a timely fashion.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement: publications, patents, key role in successfully completed commercialized projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Benefits

LightwaveLogic offers a highly competitive compensation package including stock options, as well as comprehensive benefits including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage (employee and family). a generous PTO policy, $500/year(prorated) company contribution to your medical FSA, and a 401K (safeharbor, 4 % match).

EEO Statement

Lightwave Logic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.