ABOUT XLYNX MATERIALS
XLYNX Materials is a Victoria-based advanced materials company developing diazirine-based crosslinkers that serve as adhesion promoters and crosslinking agents across polymers, adhesives, coatings, and photoresist applications.
Our clients include leading global companies in the semiconductor, consumer electronics, aerospace, renewable energy, consumer goods, and medical device industries.
We are a small, high-output team of 13 where every team member contributes directly to our technology, products, and company growth. At XLYNX, you will work at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and industrial innovation, contributing to the development and production of advanced functional materials.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Scientist (with a focus on synthesis and formulation) to join our research team and drive the development of diazirine-based crosslinkers and related functional molecules, from novel synthesis through to formulated commercial products.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. MSc candidates with relevant industrial experience are also welcome to apply. You will demonstrate strong hands-on experience not just in organic synthesis and characterization, but specifically in chemical formulation and product development tailored for the semiconductor and photoresist fields.
This is a laboratory-focused innovation role centered on research, formulation, and new product development. You will synthesize novel organic molecules, iteratively formulate chemical blends to meet specific material performance targets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and support the transition of promising prototype compounds into customer-ready solutions. We are looking for a scientist who can bridge the gap between strong synthetic chemistry fundamentals and commercial material performance.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and eager to expand their technical capabilities in a growing advanced materials company. Most importantly, you must share our core company values, particularly an unwavering commitment to scientific integrity, and thrive when collaborating closely within a small, dynamic team based in Victoria to drive XLYNX's strategic direction forward.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, formulate, and test new chemical mixtures and product blends, optimizing material performance specifically for advanced semiconductor and photoresist applications.
- Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot synthetic routes to prototype diazirine-based crosslinkers and related functional molecules, improving yield, purity, and reproducibility.
- Bridge the gap between fundamental bench chemistry and end-use application by translating novel molecules into commercially viable formulated products.
- Carry out multi-step synthesis and routine production, maintaining consistent product quality.
- Purify products using extraction, crystallization, distillation, and chromatography, and characterize them by NMR, FTIR, HPLC, and MS against established specifications.
- Write clear SOPs, batch records, and technical reports, and keep accurate laboratory notebooks.
- Work closely with the R&D Manager and the chemistry and material testing teams, presenting results and recommending practical solutions.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum MSc in Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Synthetic Chemistry, or a closely related discipline; PhD is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in chemical formulation, materials design, and product development, specifically within or highly applicable to the semiconductor industry.
- Strong background in organic synthesis, purification, and characterization by NMR, FTIR, HPLC, or mass spectrometry.
- A track record of optimizing reactions to improve yield, purity, or reproducibility.
- Rigorous approach to laboratory safety, documentation, and established procedures, with strong attention to detail and an absolute commitment to scientific integrity.
- Strong alignment with XLYNX's strategic direction, demonstrating a passion for innovating cutting-edge advanced materials.
- Ability to manage multiple R&D projects independently, communicate clearly, and work effectively and collaboratively within a small multidisciplinary team in Victoria.
- Experience handling air-, moisture-, light-, or thermally sensitive reactive intermediates is a strong asset.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
- Bench-to-Market Impact: Gain hands-on experience in the full commercialization lifecycle, taking novel formulations from initial R&D concept directly to testing and qualification with global clients.
- Industry Specialization: Deepen your expertise in advanced materials, specifically gaining exposure to the rigorous material requirements and application standards of the semiconductor and microelectronics industries.
- Innovation & IP: Play a direct role in generating novel intellectual property, contributing to patents and proprietary product developments as XLYNX expands its portfolio.
- Project Ownership: Progress toward independently managing complex synthesis and formulation pipelines from strategic planning through to execution and final reporting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with materials science and engineering colleagues, as well as executive leadership, to solve real-world technical challenges and drive the company's strategic vision forward.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- On-site, full-time position.
- Regular hands-on laboratory work with hazardous chemicals under established safety procedures.
- Collaborative, small-team culture with direct access to technical leadership.
