Who we are at Iridescent

Iridescent Sensors Inc. is commercializing a new class of chemical sensors: the optoelectronic nose, a digital multidimensional extension of litmus paper. We make inexpensive, disposable colorimetric sensor arrays that are read by our handheld optical analyzer using machine learning algorithms to identify gases and odors from a pre-determined pattern library of analytes.

Iridescent Sensors Inc.’s beachhead mission is to protect first responders and save lives from chemical spills and industrial fires by rapidly detecting toxic chemicals. We are a newly formed start-up company located in the UIUC Research Park in Champaign, IL. We are well funded in part by the NSF Convergence Accelerator. We are looking for a highly motivated Scientist to join our team. Iridescent Sensors is establishing a deep technical organization with leadership that combines expertise in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of colorimetric sensor array technologies, business development and sales.

Job Description

As a Scientist at Iridescent, you will be working on-site closely with our senior technical and business management team, developing new, life-saving technology for chemical sensing, e.g., first responders dealing with chemical spills and industrial fires. You will help develop and commercialize a handheld detector of chemicals using colorimetric sensors. This involves product development, experimentation, commercialization, field testing and evaluation, integration of customer feedback, prototype manufacturing, assembly, and quality control involving these sensors.

This is a technical role but involves significant interpretation and implementation of human-centered design and feedback in both lab and field settings. A successful candidate should understand that success requires technical expertise, but it also involves empathy, prompt communication, and a general stakeholder-service orientation.

Job Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage development projects, ensuring timely delivery and successful outcomes.

· Design and execute experiments to understand and optimize critical processes.

· Provide technical expertise and guidance on experimental planning, process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.

· Generate and analyze data, prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.

· Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements, and apply this knowledge to enhance processes and drive innovation.

· Lead, mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers/scientists and support their professional development

Expected Qualifications, Skills and Proficiencies:

· Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, or Bioengineering or other relevant scientific or engineering field.

· Laboratory experience is required. Chemistry is strongly preferred, but backgrounds in similar laboratory settings (e.g., Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering) will also be considered. Laboratory experience in other science or engineering labs (e.g., Geology, MechSE) is less preferable but may also be considered.

· Experience in gas detection technology and methodologies preferred.

· Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.

· Must be comfortable working with non-aqueous solutions.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Able to work well independently but also to collaborate effectively both with internal teams and external partners.

· Strong project management and self-organization skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· Must be currently a US citizen or legal resident of the United States with work visa.

Important Laboratory Skills:

Experience in preparation of chemical solutions, working with micropipettes, analytical balances, inkjet print heads, vacuum pumps, pressurized gas lines, mass flow controllers.

The ideal candidate:

We are a startup with an exciting and important goal! Prospective candidates should enjoy working as part of a small agile team with minimal bureaucracy. You’ll enjoy working with us if you are highly motivated, proactive and enjoy fast-paced culture, can effectively work together with team members, partners, and clients in a collaborative environment.

What We Offer:

· Salary of $90,000 to $120,000 per year depending on qualifications.

· Relocation assistance (if applicable).

· Iridescent has a flexible work-hours policy. Productivity is more important than nine-to-five. This is a laboratory position, however, so substantial time in the lab will prove to be a necessity.

· Competitive salary and compensation, including company stock options.

Applications:

Submit resume and for recent graduates an unofficial transcript to Ken Suslick, CEO, at ksuslick@iridescentsensors.com

Iridescent Sensors Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status.