This role requires a combination of technical mastery, innovative problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration to drive materials from concept to lab-scale development and eventually to commercial production and real-life application.Materials Chemist for UV-Curable Materials Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize and test UV-curable ink formulations to meet jetting and finished ophthalmic lens requirements for glasses
- Conduct research and development activities to improve existing products and create new ones
- Troubleshooting: Resolve material-related challenges through root-cause analysis and iterative testing
- Collaborate with other team members and cross-functional teams, including process engineering, application engineering, system architect, down-stream integration team, sourcing, EHS, regulatory etc. to ensure successful product launches
- Provide technical support to customers and internal stakeholders on ink-related issues
- Innovation & IP: Lead R&D efforts to push material boundaries, file patents, and stay ahead of industry trends in 3D printing and optical materials
- Demonstrated experience and capability to guide, drive and manage strategic materials vendors to develop customized materials meeting stringent requirements
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Materials Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering or related field
- Minimum 2 years of industrial experience in ink formulation and UV curable materials
- Expertise in raw materials of formulation, such as photo initiators, monomers, oligomers, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, dyes/pigments and so on. Demonstrated experience of understanding of the impact of raw materials on curing reactions (such as curing speed, cross-linking, phase separation) and formulation properties such as yellowness, mechanical properties, Tg, and environmental stability)
- In-depth knowledge of ink formulation chemistry, rheology, and physical properties
- Experience with advanced chemical analytical techniques and materials characterization techniques
- Proven experience in complex problem-solving, project management skills and ability to work independently and within the team
- Able to balance between technical depth and product delivery needs
- Good command of communication skills for technical reports, documentation and presentations
- Ability to monitor industry innovations and regulations and efficiently drive vendor relationships
- Experience with a full product development cycle is a big plus: including ideation based on requirement, proof-of-concept iteration, process optimization, scaling-up, product launch and receiving real-life feedback is a big plus
- Able to embrace ambiguity. Can quickly adjust to new conditions and helps others do the same, working effectively through ambiguity and adversity
- Background in optically clear resins (e.g., lenses, waveguides, displays)
- Knowledge of nanoparticle dispersions (for refractive index tuning)
- Experience with high-speed curing systems (LED UV, excimer lamps)
- Knowledge of color science and color management
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements. Experience with regulatory submissions
- Familiarity with AI/ML for material discovery (e.g., high-throughput screening)
- Experience in inkjet printing, coatings, or 3D printing (e.g., SLA, DLP, inkjet)
Equal Employment Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.