Research Scientist - Materials Chemistry

Lantha is building the next generation of rapid chemical sensing technologies, powered by our proprietary material PCM-22. We’re a fast-moving team of scientists and engineers who love turning unconventional chemistry into real, working devices. We’re looking for curious, creative thinkers who want their work to matter immediately.

As a Research Scientist, you’ll report directly to the Chief Science Officer (CSO) and work closely with our growing R&D team in Austin, TX. You’ll have huge ownership, plenty of room to explore bold ideas, and the opportunity to make an impact that’s visible from day one. We’re actively hiring scientists from a wide range of backgrounds: polymer science, supramolecular chemistry, inorganic/organometallic chemistry, catalysis, hybrid materials, MOFs, photochemistry, biomedical engineering, or anything adjacent. If you bring strong scientific intuition and love connecting ideas across disciplines, we want to talk to you.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

You will drive experimental materials research from hypothesis to prototype:

Materials Discovery & Design

• Design, synthesize, and characterize functional materials including polymers, MOFs, hybrid organic–inorganic systems, and supramolecular assemblies
• Propose new structural motifs to enable improved sensing: binding affinity, selectivity, signal strength, response speed, and stability
• Investigate structure–property–function relationships to guide material design

Prototype Development

• Prepare device-relevant material formats (films, coatings, membranes, porous substrates)
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate materials into fluorimetric sensing devices
• Generate data that creates insight: spectra, microscopy, porosity, mechanical behavior, analyte transport

Scientific Leadership

• Independently develop research directions aligned to our sensing roadmap
• Design experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings clearly through documents and presentations
• Contribute original scientific insight that shapes the direction of Lantha’s platform
• Mentor junior scientists and help build an experimental culture driven by creativity and rigor

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

• Earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, including PhD/postdoc
• Built a strong foundation in chemical synthesis, materials characterization, and experimental design.
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas (multiple is a plus):
• Polymer synthesis or soft materials
• Inorganic or organometallic chemistry
• MOFs or porous materials
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Photo-chemistry or photo-physics
• Hybrid materials or composite fabrication
• Ability to think beyond your core discipline and apply your expertise creatively.
• Demonstrated independence, problem-solving ability, and scientific leadership.
• Exhibited excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Depth in any area that helps us design, analyze, or apply functional materials — chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering.
• Experience turning fundamental chemistry into real prototypes, systems, or measurement tools.
• Familiarity with advanced characterization methods — spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical/thermal analysis, or tools from your field.
• Background in systems that produce or modulate signals (e.g., luminescent materials, photoactive systems, coordination chemistry, supramolecular interactions).
• Experience with device integration or hands-on prototyping (helpful but not required).
• A track record of scientific creativity: publications, inventive research ideas, patents.

WHY JOIN LANTHA?

• Shape real-world technology: See your materials become deployed products.
• Think creatively: We encourage bold ideas and interdisciplinary exploration.
• Grow with us: Help define the future of our sensing platform and company.
• Fast progress, visible impact: Move quickly from concept to prototype.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture: Join a team dedicated to solving meaningful problems.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Compensation: Competitive salary of $90,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Healthcare cash subsidy, 3 weeks of PTO, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a growing startup.
• Growth: Join a mission-driven team on the cutting edge of technology, with significant opportunities for personal and professional development.

ABOUT LANTHA

Mission Statement

Lantha Sensors exists to advance chemical analysis. We have developed application specific metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and a user-friendly fluorimeter to deliver fast, reliable test results. Our sensors challenge what is possible.

Vision Statement

At Lantha Sensors, our vision is to enhance chemical testing, making advanced analysis accessible, reliable, and effortless. We believe complex testing processes should be simplified, enabling scientists and industry professionals to achieve precise results with confidence. Through continuous innovation and customer focus, we aim to empower our users to accomplish more with greater efficiency.

JOIN US

If you are excited by the challenge of discovering new materials, and building impactful technologies, we would love to hear from you. Apply now by sending your resume, a cover letter, and a short research portfolio to and help us shape the future of chemical analysis!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $130,000