What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Chemist – Nanomaterials & Coatings position at Kismet Technologies?
About Us
Kismet Technologies is a pioneering nanotechnology company revolutionizing antimicrobials with our mineral-based technologies. Our cutting-edge, patent-pending nanotechnology platform uses a potent antimicrobial response to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, and biofilms. Kismet antimicrobial technologies (KAT) are mediated cerium oxide nanoparticles that instantly generate hydrogen peroxide upon contact with pathogens, resulting in their destruction. The increasing regulatory headwinds for metal and quaternary ammonia compound antimicrobials present a unique opportunity for KAT to disrupt the antimicrobial additive market.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Product Development Chemist with strong expertise in coatings and formulation science. The ideal candidate will play a key role in developing, optimizing antimicrobial and antifouling coatings and integrating novel nanomaterial-based products into coatings. This position requires hands-on laboratory work, strong analytical skills, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and manufacturing. This position reports to the VP of Engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize coatings and formulations incorporating nanoparticles for targeted performance (e.g., durability, functionality, stability)
- Conduct product development and support scale-up activities, transitioning formulations from lab to pilot and manufacturing scale
- Assist in the Design, synthesize, and optimization of nanoparticles (e.g., inorganic, polymeric, hybrid) with controlled size, morphology, and surface chemistry
- Perform characterization of nanoparticles and formulations, including:
- Particle size and distribution (DLS, SEM/TEM)
- Surface chemistry (FTIR and UV-Vis Spectroscopy)
- Thermal, mechanical, and chemical performance testing
- Analyze experimental data and generate technical reports, protocols, and documentation
- Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges to improve product performance and reproducibility
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product validation, customer requirements, and commercialization
- Maintain laboratory best practices, safety standards, and proper documentation
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong background in functional coatings and formulation chemistry and integrating pigments or functional fillers into coatings
- Experience with material characterization techniques such as DLS, SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, or similar
- Proven ability to design experiments, interpret data, and solve complex technical problems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry experience in product development or applied R&D
- Knowledge of polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, or colloidal science
- Familiarity with nanomaterial-based products
- Familiarity with quality systems, regulatory requirements, or ISO standards
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and fast-paced development environments
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge nanotechnology products
- Collaborative and innovation-driven work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- H1B sponsorship is not available for this position