Scientist: Materials Synthesis & Characterization

Job Summary

Unearthly Materials, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Materials Synthesis Scientist with expertise in solid-state synthesis, crystal growth, and advanced materials characterization. The role focuses on developing high-purity materials for superconductivity research, working with cross-functional teams to accelerate discovery and refine synthesis workflows.

• Design, execute, and optimize synthesis protocols for advanced functional materials, including solid-state reactions, high-pressure synthesis, hydrothermal, and inert-atmosphere techniques.
• Develop strategies to improve sample purity, homogeneity, and phase stability across multiple synthesis routes.
• Operate, interpret, and maintain major analytical instruments, including:
  • X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification, Rietveld refinement, and structure analysis.
  • SEM + EDS for morphology and elemental mapping.
  • Raman and IR spectroscopy for chemical bonding and vibrational signatures.
  • NMR for structural and local chemical environment analysis.
  • Other tools as available (TGA, DSC, PPMS, SQUID).
• Collaborate with device, thin-film, and modeling teams to integrate bulk and thin-film data into broader materials development pipelines.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, synthesize datasets, and prepare internal reports and presentations.
• Support equipment calibration, maintenance, and safe operation of synthesis and characterization labs, with a focus on reproducibility and data quality improvements.

Unearthly Materials, Inc. is an innovative, deep-tech materials company at the frontier of superconducting technology. We pursue breakthroughs that enable superconductivity in ambient conditions and aim to impact industries including energy, transportation, medicine, and microelectronics.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in materials synthesis (solid-state, high-temperature, high-pressure, or chemical routes).
• Hands-on expertise with major characterization tools including XRD, SEM/EDS, Raman, IR, NMR, etc.
• Understanding of crystal chemistry, phase diagrams, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Strong data-analysis skills with emphasis on reproducibility and rigorous scientific methodology.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and adapt synthesis workflows.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience with superconducting materials, strongly correlated systems, or electronic materials.
• Familiarity with glovebox systems, inert-environment synthesis, and air-sensitive compounds.
• Experience with high-pressure or high-temperature synthesis equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge of advanced tools such as TEM, XPS, or PPMS/SQUID magnetometry is desirable.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends to meet critical project timelines.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Flexible working hours
• Collaborative, high-impact research environment

Unearthly Materials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor protected by law.

Please include with your application: a full CV and a maximum one-page summary describing your relevant research experience aligned with the job description.