Research Chemist - ERC

For more than 30 years, ERC has been delivering the advantage needed to solve our customers' and the nation's toughest challenges. ERC is a trusted partner to the Defense and Space communities. We provide the advanced engineering, innovative technology, and subject-matter expertise to deliver the mission results our customers need to keep the nation safe and secure. Our unique solutions enhance readiness, optimize performance, and help ensure success in the air, on the ground and in space.

An essential part of our success is our corporate culture built on respect, empowerment, and collaboration. Our culture elevates our people, ensuring they provide best-in-class service and solutions to our customers. We always strive to do the right thing. We believe that are our people are our best asset and human connection our greatest strength.

Check us out on ERC.US

Your role:

• Full-time position at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Edwards AFB, CA
• Entry- or Mid-level chemist seeking to take ownership over a project while supporting other research activities
• Perform research and development within the Applied Materials Group, working on a variety of basic and applied research projects
• Hands-on analysis work as well as some modeling and simulation for property prediction
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, as well as conducting independent research

What you'll do all day:

• Perform research and development within the Applied Materials Group, working on a variety of basic and applied research projects
• Hands-on analysis work as well as some modeling and simulation for property prediction
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, as well as conducting independent research
• Perform chemical synthesis and analysis of target materials (small molecule and/or polymer)
• Analyze materials using analytical instrumentation (e.g. NMR, FTIR, UV-vis, DSC, TGA)
• Utilize and maintain state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation
• Prepare, write, and present technical data in the form of oral and written reports
• (Optional) Occasionally travel to conferences, training, or workshops for professional development
• Current research projects include synthesis of new ionic liquids for aerospace applications, development of new additive manufacturing materials and technologies for solid rocket motors, examination of next-generation propellant binder materials

You will love this job if you:

• Are a self-starter and require little oversight to complete given tasks
• Enjoy a fast-paced work environment
• Love working with diverse groups of individuals, including engineers and technicians
• Are good at communicating with people
• Have a positive attitude
• Enjoy multitasking

Minimum requirements for this position:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, or related field
• Interest in performing chemical synthesis (organic, inorganic, polymer)
• Familiarity with modern analytical methods (NMR, FTIR, HPLC, MS, etc.) and common synthetic techniques
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and desire to learn new techniques and skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to pass a background check/security clearance
• Must be able to pass drug screening

Desired skills and experience for this position:

• Master's Degree in Chemistry, or related field.
• 0-3 years experience in performing chemical synthesis (organic, inorganic, or polymer)
• Familiarity with common purification techniques (crystallization, distillation, chromatography, etc.) and/or polymer synthesis, modification, and processing

What we offer:

• Competitive salaries.
• Continuing education assistance.
• Professional development allotment.
• Multiple healthcare benefit packages.
• 401K with employer matching.
• Paid time off (PTO) along with federally recognized holiday schedule.

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