Job Description
Research Scientist – Surface Engineering and Coating Development Full-Time | State College, PA | On-Site | Immediate Start Location: 200 Innovation Blvd, State College, PA
Company: spotLESS Materials
spotLESS Materials is an exciting small company, spinning out multifunctional anti-fouling coating technology that was originally developed by Penn State researchers with the mission of using technology to make a positive global impact across numerous industries. Based in State College, PA, spotLESS Materials is currently seeking a
Research Scientist .
The preferred
Research Scientist candidate will possess a technical and operational track record in driving innovation, managing complex R&D initiatives, and helping build the internal infrastructure to support technical growth. This is not a narrowly defined bench role—this is a leadership-track position for a scientist who can develop and execute technical strategy, manage multiple active projects, and build scalable systems as the company evolves.
Reporting directly to the CEO and CTO, the
Research Scientist will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and initiative. This position will have significant influence over how our R&D organization functions—both scientifically and operationally. As such, we're looking for someone who can not only deliver excellent science, but who can also lead others, define standards, and build the frameworks needed to support a high-performing technical team over time.
Key Responsibilities - R&D Ownership and Strategy:
Serve as the primary technical lead for multiple R&D initiatives related to non-stick, repellent coatings. Take full ownership of project definition, setting of milestones, identification of success criteria, and execution of delivery timelines from conception through to final implementation. - Surface Science Expertise:
Design and synthesize advanced coatings using silane chemistry and hybrid surface modification techniques. Tailor and optimize surface properties such as wettability, friction, adhesion, durability to meet application-specific performance requirements across a variety of substrates. - Advanced Surface Characterization and Analysis:
Utilize a broad suite of analytical tools—including XPS, AFM, SEM, EDX, FTIR, UV-VIS-IR spectrometer, ellipsometry, profilometry, contact angle goniometry, dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer, and other surface and particle characterization methods—to investigate surface morphology, chemical composition, and structure-property relationships. Lead experimental planning, data acquisition and analysis, and interpretation with the highest level of scientific rigor to inform formulation decisions and product validation. - Coating Formulation Development and Scale-Up Production:
Design and oversee the preparation of coating formulations at both laboratory and pilot scales. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless scale-up and transition from R&D to manufacturing, including process optimization, quality control, and performance validation. - Laboratory Safety and Operation:
Establish, implement, and enforce safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure full compliance with local and federal regulations. Maintain a well-organized and efficient lab environment through equipment calibration and routine safety audits. Serve as the point of contact for all safety inspections and incident response coordination. - Proposal Development:
Contribute to the preparation and submission of competitive research proposals for federal funding and commercial partnership opportunities. - Scientific Communication and Reporting:
Author detailed technical reports, laboratory notebooks, internal documentation, invention disclosures, IP filings, and (where appropriate) peer-reviewed publications. Deliver clear and compelling presentations to internal teams, executive leadership, funding agencies, and commercial stakeholders. - Cross-Functional Project Management:
Lead projects involving surface chemistry, materials engineering, and product integration. Coordinate efforts across internal teams and external collaborators to ensure alignment and timely execution. Proactively manage project scope, resource allocation, timelines, and risk management. - Protocol and Systems Development:
Design and implement technical systems, protocols, and workflows from the ground up—ranging from experimental SOPs and QA/QC of new procedures to data management, lab operations, and reproducibility standards. Play a key role in defining how research is conducted at spotLESS Materials. - Leadership and Mentorship:
Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior scientists, engineers, and interns. Foster a lab culture grounded in intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Encourage continuous learning, open communication, and scientific excellence.
Minimum Qualifications - Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Expertise in surface functionalization, surface/coating engineering, and liquid-repellent surface development.
- Extensive experience with analytical surface characterization tools and data interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver complex, multi-phase R&D projects.
- Exceptional organizational skills with experience building or scaling lab systems, protocols, and project structures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical insights for varied audiences.
- Comfortable operating independently and making high-quality decisions in low-structure environments.
Preferred Qualifications - Track record of establishing new technical infrastructure or protocols in R&D settings.
- Entrepreneurial mindset; proactive, scrappy, and energized by building from the ground up.
TO APPLY: To apply, tell us why you are interested in this position in a short cover letter and include your resume. Answer a few questions and click submit. It's that easy to apply right now!
- The Company reserves the right to alter, change, modify and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation. No recruiters, please; principal applicants only.
spotLESS Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@spotlessmaterials.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Immediate start,