Senior Chemist

About the role

We are seeking an accomplished chemist to help develop innovative solutions to challenging national security problems through chemical synthesis, materials formulation, and characterization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct innovative laboratory research involving chemical synthesis, materials formulation, characterization, and performance evaluation.
• Conceive, develop, and execute independent research efforts that address challenging technical problems relevant to national security.
• Design and perform experiments, analyze complex datasets, and communicate technical findings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to develop and transition new technologies.
• Develop technical concepts and contribute to proposal efforts that establish new research directions and capabilities.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present technical work at conferences, sponsor reviews, and professional meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the technical growth of the organization.
• Support field testing, laboratory experimentation, and technology demonstrations as required.

Qualifications

• You possess a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• You have 3+ years of post-doctoral, industrial, or government research experience.
• You have demonstrated experience conceiving, developing, and executing independent research projects.
• You have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating technical contributions in your field.
• You have experience developing and executing experimental research programs in a laboratory environment.
• You have expertise in one or more of the following areas: synthetic chemistry, polymer science, coatings, electrochemistry, energy storage, inorganic chemistry, or related fields.
• You have experience designing experiments, analyzing technical data, and communicating research findings through written reports and presentations.
• You have experience building productive collaborations within multidisciplinary research teams.
• You have contributed to technical proposal development or research planning activities.
• You are willing and able to carry out laboratory research and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
• You are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• You have demonstrated experience serving as a Principal Investigator, Project Manager, or technical lead for research and development efforts.
• You have experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating technical activities across multiple disciplines.
• You have experience managing project budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables.
• You have a track record of developing successful technical proposals and securing research funding.
• You have established expertise in advanced materials for national security applications.
• You have experience mentoring junior researchers and helping develop technical staff.
• You have demonstrated external recognition through invited presentations, patents, professional service, or other indicators of technical leadership.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, and our culture is one where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.