Formulation Chemist

MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division researches and develops electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to deliver leap-ahead national-security capabilities. The group’s materials research spans computation, theory, growth, processing, and characterization, complementing RF, imager, and quantum-computing technology development.

About the role

The group seeks a technical staff member to lead and expand its enterprise in organic/inorganic formulations for coatings, 3-D direct-ink-write printing, and microelectronics advanced packaging. Responsibilities include organic synthesis of new monomers, polymers, surfactants, and binders, and transitioning those materials from exploratory research to repeatable lab-scale production. The role also involves developing experimental methods for the AI-enabled rapid-materials-discovery team. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and attend professional conferences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in formulations development, materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Apply expertise in experimental characterization methods such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national-security priorities.
• Serve as subject-matter expert for the formulation and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid-materials-discovery program.
• Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
• Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered).
• Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze formulations for specific applications and use cases.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams.
• Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate experimental results to experts, non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Skills

• Formulation of complex coatings and engineering of their composition–property relationships.
• Colloid science, rheology, adhesion, and surface modifiers in a broad set of coating and substrate systems.
• Synthesis of new monomers, polymers, surfactants, and binders, and transition of those materials from exploratory research to repeatable lab-scale production.
• 3-D direct-ink-write printing formulation across a broad set of materials.
• Development of new materials for microelectronics advanced packaging applications.
• Understanding of radiation effects on materials with applications to radiation shielding of microelectronics.
• Familiarity with computational materials science linked to experimental methods.
• Experience guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs.
• Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps.
• Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher.

Pay

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200–$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200–$220,000

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
• MIT-funded pension.
• Matching 401K.
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.
• Mentorship programs.
• Work-life balance options.
• Additional voluntary benefits, discounts, and perks through MIT.