Research Chemist

HRL Laboratories is a jointly-owned research laboratory for The Boeing Company and General Motors. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean, HRL has pioneered state of the art research and development for more than 70 years. HRL's scientists and engineers are on the leading edge of technology, conducting pioneering research and providing real-world technology solutions for the aerospace, automotive and defense industries. The Scaled Nanotechnology group at HRL is focused on developing new, inorganic and polymeric multifunctional materials and coatings by controlling nano/micro-scale architecture to tailor properties such as wetting, heat transfer, ice nucleation, surface adhesion, reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, color, and elasticity. We are focused on using scalable processes to rapidly mature technologies from fundamental discovery to commercial products.

EDUCATION DESIRED:

Chemistry or polymer science PhD or Master's degree with 2+ years of research experience (academic or industrial) in organic chemistry, small molecule synthesis, polymer and coatings development, or other synthetic area.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: A successful candidate will perform chemical reactions and polymerizations at the benchtop-scale and beyond, working both independently and on a team. Duties may include setting up and performing chemical synthesis reactions (organic, inorganic, polymer, and organometallic chemistry), material processing development to produce functional materials, films, and coatings, along with documenting, analyzing, and reporting experimental results to the project manager. This position will involve the operation of analytical tools such as DSC, FTIR, UV-VIS, NMR, rheometry, SEM, and TGA and interpretation of the results. In addition, effective oral and written communication, both one-on-one and within a team environment will be essential, along with an avid willingness to learn. Additional duties may also include maintenance of stocks and supplies, monitoring calibration status of lab instruments, and ensuring overall laboratory upkeep.

EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

Experience with good lab practices (documentation, safety procedures) is essential. Experience in a wet chemistry lab environment, specifically in the area of organic chemistry or polymer synthesis such as step-growth polymerization, free radical polymerization, natural products synthesis, coupling reactions, polymer foams, and compounding elastomers and/or coating formulations is highly desired. Experience synthesizing chemical compounds in a research environment is desired. Computational modelling experience is also desired. Experience in use of automated lab equipment for chemical, thermal and/or structural analysis is highly desired. Experience with the use of computer software for data storage, organization, and analysis is also desired.

KNOWLEDGE DESIRED:

Understanding of organic and polymer chemistry and some inorganic chemistry and physics. Knowledge of chemical analysis, thermal analysis, optical characterization, and basic computer skills (e.g., spreadsheets & word processing). Experience with maintenance of lab equipment is desirable.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to perform safely in a laboratory environment using materials synthesis and analysis equipment. Requires good laboratory practice, ability to document and communicate results, and safe handling of chemicals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. Person status required (US citizen or green card). May be required to travel.

Keywords: Polymer chemist, polymer scientist, polymer research and development (R&D), polymer physics, synthesis, coatings, adhesives, industrial chemist

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

HRL offers a very competitive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, growth potential, and an exciting and challenging work environment.

HRL Laboratories is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training or promoting, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, age, U.S. military or protected veteran status, union membership, or political affiliation. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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