Position: Synthetic Chemist (Photocatalyst Synthesis) Location: In-person at Xatoms Lab, University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Job Type: Full-Time About Xatoms: Xatoms is an AI-driven materials discovery company revolutionizing photocatalytic materials for water purification, air filtration, and green hydrogen production. Our mission is to accelerate material discovery and scale sustainable solutions globally. Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Synthetic Chemist to join Xatoms. This individual will be instrumental in synthesizing and developing novel photocatalytic materials, from molecular precursors to functional catalysts with the Xatoms team. The role is hands-on and requires full-time, in-person work at our laboratory located on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus (UTM). Key Responsibilities: Design and carry out chemical syntheses of new photocatalytic materials and metal oxide nanoparticles. Develop, optimize, and scale synthetic procedures for producing photocatalysts with targeted properties. Perform material characterization using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis. Conduct experimental evaluations of photocatalytic activity under simulated and real-world light conditions. Evaluate photocatalytic activity against pathogens (bacteria, viruses) to assess disinfection efficiency under various conditions. Collaborate with computational chemists and materials scientists to validate computational predictions through experimental synthesis. Maintain accurate records of experiments and results, ensuring reproducibility and proper documentation. Ensure laboratory safety protocols and chemical handling procedures are strictly followed. Required Qualifications: MS/PhD/Bachelor''s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on inorganic synthesis, photocatalysis, or nanomaterials. Hands-on experience with the synthesis of transition metal oxides, semiconductor materials, or hybrid photocatalysts. Familiarity with sol-gel processes, hydrothermal synthesis, co-precipitation, and other wet-chemistry synthetic methods. Proficiency in materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, BET). Minimum B2 level of English proficiency. Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with surface chemistry and catalytic mechanisms. Experience working with light-activated materials or photocatalytic systems. Basic understanding of computational chemistry or DFT is a plus. Exposure to data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for processing experimental data. Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot synthesis and characterization challenges. Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with an interdisciplinary team. Excellent organizational and communication skills. What We Offer: The opportunity to work on cutting-edge material synthesis and contribute to a breakthrough technology in water purification. Hands-on lab work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Close mentorship from experienced scientists and founders. Potential for career growth within a rapidly expanding startup.
Job Title
Synthetic Chemist