Materials Research Scientist

About the role

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and materials science, supporting a senior research scientist across multiple project verticals — from bulk crystal synthesis through fabricated devices and coated components. This is a hands-on, laboratory-intensive role well suited to a recent graduate who wants to build depth across materials synthesis, processing, and characterization while working alongside government and academic partners.

Responsibilities

• Grow and process single crystals (including hydrothermal and other bulk crystal-growth methods) and synthesize inorganic and solid-state materials across a range of chemical systems.
• Perform coating deposition and evaluate coating quality, adhesion, and performance, including plasma spray deposition.
• Characterize materials and coatings using techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDX, and optical/electron spectroscopy; assist with data reduction and interpretation.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of prototype devices and coated components.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and, as needed, ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Collaborate with university and business research partners on shared deliverables.
• Document experimental work and contribute technical content to program reports, white papers, and proposals.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols, including radiation safety and safe handling of materials where applicable.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, or a closely related field (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Hands-on experience in crystal growth and/or solid-state / inorganic materials synthesis.
• Experience with one or more coating or thin-film deposition techniques.
• Working knowledge of standard materials-characterization methods (e.g., XRD, SEM/EDX, spectroscopy).
• Strong laboratory discipline, record-keeping, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with plasma spray deposition.
• Experience handling radioactive materials and associated radiation-safety training.
• Familiarity with extreme-environment materials (e.g., high-temperature or thermal-protection coatings) and/or radiation-detection instrumentation.
• Modeling and design tools: SolidWorks (CAD), COMSOL, DFT, and/or MCNP.
• Experience building or maintaining ultra-high vacuum and spectroscopy systems.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or collaborative research with government or academic partners.

Pay

$90,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually

Schedule

Full-Time/Regular